Quick update and kudos to a good boss

I've been remiss in posting the last couple of months. Never fear, parts II and III of the "wrong people in jail" series are forthcoming. In the meantime, though, I've noted a marked increase in violent crime in Columbia and in SC in general. The economy is trashed and our governor is a borderline psychotic, philandering joke (which is sad because I admired his fiscal policies). North Korea is emerging as the threat many of us predicted they would be, we're mired in wars and aid projects overseas while we implode at home via the utter breakdown of societal standards and mores. No one seems to recognize the distinct possibility that we may all be required to speak Chinese in the not too distant future, either....

All of that to say that in these social and economic hard times, even the best (like us) are having a tough time. Despite an upturn in the criminal defense side of the business, domestic cases are way down. But instead of cutting staff in a panic, my boss has listened to wise counsel and instead redirected resources to marketing and to upgrading communications and other equipment. From what I have learned, these responses to a tight economy will result in the company emerging not only intact, but strengthened. Other companies cut staff, increasing workload and fear of "the axe" in remaining employees. They cut supply and equipment expenses, making it even harder for the remaining staff to complete, never mind excel in, their newly-increased workload. They rush to reduce advertising and marketing initiatives, which in any small business is all but a death knell, and in a tight economy IS a death knell. While these folks are steadily and repeatedly shooting themselves in the foot despite all advice to the contrary, our boss has heeded the advice of successful small business owners:

In a tight economy, cut staff only as a last resort, unless you have unproductive people or positions you needed to cut anyway. Take a long-overdue (for most), comprehensive, objective look at your marketing plan and find ways to make more of the budget you already have - redirect, but don't cut. Talk to your staff - be realistic, but don't try to frighten them into working harder. If you've been a good boss all along, and you're honest with staff, they will want to help, and it will show. We're in a tight spot right now, but I am confident that my boss is doing all he can, and in turn, staff are pitching in and working as a team to weather this economy.

Thanks, boss, for being a dedicated owner committed not only to our profession and the clients who depend on us in some of the most difficult times in their lives, but to the company and the people who work for you. Kudos!