We have explored numerous ways to describe our current, complicated and complex Canadian economic landscape, which includes:
Inflation and recession concerns across all provinces
Interest rates reversing direction after more than a decade of decline
Lingering effects of the global pandemic on the Canadian labour market and supply chains
Ongoing skill-gaps made worse by the tight labour market
All these influences free-floating in the business atmosphere, are contributing to unclear or conflicting company and departmental priorities, sudden changes in leadership, and hiring and salary constraints — wreaking havoc on productivity and morale in workplaces.
Still — and this is the big takeaway — uncertainty, managed right, can create opportunities for clear-eyed, innovative managers to stand out in their organization.
While uncertainties complicate managers’ jobs, they also present opportunities to motivate teams, move forward and pass competitors who remain stuck in neutral over fear of the unknown.
Innovations often emerge when the chips are down and organizations are compelled to adapt. This could be the perfect time for managers to examine problems and roadblocks from a different vantage point, revealing new solutions. When no one knows all the answers — or what’s next — that’s the time to find new ways to get work done. This is also when new management stars emerge.
