“I know we are supposed to come up with a plan for this year,” Denise explained, “but things are so uncertain, I am having trouble.”

“So, there are questions you don’t have answers for?” I asked.

Denise nodded. “I can’t imagine what things will be like a year from now.”

“Okay, so there are things we don’t know. What things do we know?”

“Well, we’re not like GM or Chrysler, those guys are really in trouble. Our company is solid, doesn’t have a lot of debt, it’s just that our business is really tough right now.”

“So, a year from now, your doors will be open and you will be doing some level of business. And you know your business volume in 2008?”

“Yes, and based on what we know from our customers, we think our volume will be down another 20 percent in 2009,” Denise replied.

“I know it’s difficult to think that business could be down another 20 percent, but that is where you have to start. You have to be prepared. It’s not the plan you want. But remember, your company cannot be bigger than the market. Plans never survive a train wreck with reality.
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Working Leadership Online Schedule
January 26 – Orientation
February 2 – Goal Setting and Time
February 16 – Decision Making
March 2 – Planning
March 16 – Delegation

To find out more about this program and to pre-register, visit www.workingleadership.com.