LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS

Britain has finally climbed out of recession. After six straight quarters of decline, last quarter saw growth of 0.1 per cent. Although, lower than the 0.4 per cent growth expected, it does signal a return to growth for the nation.

Such a small rise means that recovery will be harder to sustain, meaning that business leaders will need to rally behind staff and their executive team to foster a new sense of optimism. The 18-month recession, the longest in recent history, saw leaders having to get more stuck into the daily workings of the organisation. The renewal of growth means that leaders can now focus on strategy, people and gaining financing.

Last year saw a relative dearth in companies deciding to float, in fact only nine companies made initial public offerings in 2009 (compared to 36 in 2008 and 166 in 2007) raising less than £1 billion, a fifteen year low for the London Stock Exchange.  

The global appetite for IPOs seems to be hotting up with Gartmore making a large initial public offering in December but according to Ernst & Young the window for companies to float could be relatively short. The uncertain recovery, an upcoming election and the withdrawal of certain government stimulus plans were cited as reasons why companies would decide to hold off another year.

Happy New Year. Many business leaders will be happy to see the back of 2009. Businesses that survived the tsunami that was the past 18 months are now hoping for brighter futures, with growth fueled by greater access to capital, increased productivity and employee engagement. 

Here are my top tips to help companies obtain that brighter more positive future:

1)  2010 is all about 2011 – With  2010 expected to be a flat year with the economy bumping along, it will be those companies that position themselves strongly in this year that will excel in the next. 
2)  Don’t bet the house but do increase investment and do make some strategic investments that have high risk.
3)  Become more externally visible - Leaders in 2009 were visible within their companies but as 2010 progresses it is vital that CEOs play a more market facing role, this will be both an internal and external statement.
4) Empower all levels of the organisation as the year progresses – It is important to create a more nimble and decisive organisation as such empowering beneath will be a key to high performance into 2011.
5) Reengage with a clear vision – After the storm its important to reset goals, including mission and vision. Alignment is essential.
6) Go for that run – its going to be another long year, stamina is vital so keep yourself healthy.
7) Spend more time with your loved ones 
8) Love your bank for they shall love you back, you are their future – Remember bankers provide oxygen, it’s a two way relationship and they provide access to one of your core raw materials!
9) Have more fun – business is hard and over the last two years brutal, important that we remember that work is not just about money, we spend too long at it not to enjoy the time we commit!  A happy company will always do well!
10) Beware of dark alleys and shadows – the market will remain tough as such tough rules still apply. Watch out for conspiracy, if in doubt drag things into the open at least you then know where you stand.