Q. The market tanked and there is no way that I am going to make my numbers. Falling short means no bonus? Should I start looking for a new job?
A. You have my attention—I will start right in with the questions to consider:
- Are you in an “up or out” situation—meet the numbers or hit the street? I hope not.
- What are the facts: Did you fall behind in the second quarter and hope for a “Hail Mary” pass in the fourth quarter?
- Are you the only person in your organization “falling short” or is the whole department down?
- Are you alert to the changes impacting your organization? Your industry? Note that the impact is likely to go way beyond quarterly earnings.
- How do you respond to change? Worry? Bury your head in the sand? Anticipate? Embrace?
- What is the conversation you need to have with your manager today? What will be different when you complete the conversation?
- What is the worst thing that could happen to you?
If you survived 2008, then you know that the sky isn’t falling. I recommend that you take a deep breath and focus on the facts. Now is the time to be mindful and note the larger context: global unrest and uncertainty is causing instability in the markets at the same time that disintermediation is creating a new competitive landscape. Don’t expect clients or markets to behave predictably.
Remember that the agility and mindfulness you have fostered in “easier” days
will serve you well in the difficult months ahead.