If you've turned on your TV, listened to the radio, or opened a newspaper lately you are more than aware of the troubles our economy is facing. 

 

While the headlines coming from the media can be discouraging and downright scary, it is important to know that there are always strategic opportunities to improve your business regardless of the current economic climate. 

 

One of the biggest opportunities in any down economy is the flood of talent that hits the labor market as a result of corporate layoffs and reductions in force (RIFs).  Many companies lay off workers indiscriminately in an effort to reduce costs and in doing so give you an excellent opportunity to recruit, hire, and retain their best workers. 

 

Employee Favoritism and Nepotism - Employee Morale Killers

Ensuring a high level of employee morale is a critical part of any organization's employee retention strategy.  It is common sense really...

 

What I have a hard time understanding is why, when most managers understand the link between team morale and employee turnover, so many engage in or permit activities that seriously damage morale. 

 

Two particularly devastating activities that I see far too often are employee favoritism and nepotism in the workplace.  These activities are especially damaging to morale as those who are not the benefactors of preferential treatment quickly realize what is happening and feel helpless to succeed and advance their careers.  This leads to a lack of engagement in their job and in many cases employment with another organization.

 

To help you avoid the perils of employee favoritism and nepotism we'd like to provide you with 8 forms of favoritism we have found in working with numerous clients and five ways you can keep favoritism and nepotism from destroying morale in your organization.

 

Dr. Mark Goulston is a highly regarded doctor, professor, author, speaker, executive coach, and an expert on the subject of Emotional Intelligence (EQ.)

 

Dr. Goulston has helped numerous organizations, managers, and employees recognize and overcome the barriers to success that so many of us place in our own paths.   He refers to these barriers as self defeating behaviors (SDBs) and has written two great books on the subject of Getting Out of Your Own Way.

 

In this week's Featured Guru segment we'd like to feature an article by Goulston on the ever important topic of leadership. 

 

In his article Goulston takes a look at leadership under pressure and how the way we view adversity and times of crisis can make all the difference in our effectiveness as a leader.