I’ve lived long enough to know that everyone and every organization faces difficult periods over their lifetimes. Take a look at Bo Burlingham’s account of Reell Precision Manufacturing Corporation, entitled “Paradise Lost”, that appears in the February edition of Inc. Magazine. This is an excellent example of an organization that was on a roll until it hit the inevitable speed bump. Reell traditionally had a strong relationship with its employees then changes in the marketplace placed considerable strain on that relationship.
The employer-employee relationship is in some ways like a marriage. When the two parties invest in strengthening the relationship the bonds of shared identity, empathy and understanding through difficult times, it is more likely their relationship will endure. Relationships that survive challenging periods often emerge on the other side stronger and, in a profound way, even more satisfying.
