Not the kind of taxes that are due on April 15!
That is the noun form of the word. Dictionary.com provides this definition of the verb form, to tax:
to lay a burden on; make serious demands on: i.e., to tax one’s resources.
In today’s economy, many people are feeling like their resources are being taxed. As many companies lay off staff, the people that remain behind are often over-burdened. There may be extra work to be done, shorter deadlines to meet, needed skills or knowledge not available.
Serious demands are being placed on all employees, from the upper management to the front line worker. Many people are fearful that they may be the next one to be laid off or to have extra work come their way.
What can we do about it? While big picture, long-term solutions are being developed, what we can do is lead. Think about some of the key functions of leadership (in no particular order):
- Service to followers
- Compassion
- Developing others
- Sharing a vision of what success looks like
- Rewarding effort and results
- Communication
- Motivating others
Are you being the leader your people need you to be? How do you know? Have you asked them?
Image Source democrats.com
I have, in fact, asked them. My measure of leadership success: when my team and clients are feeling inspired, hopeful and moved to action. Only way to know that is ask (or be told). It is important for leaders to consider that when all resources are being taxed, as you put it, we are in ourselves the best resource available. How can we become more and more resourceful in taxing times? I love to stay in that question and discover new ways every day, from my clients, my friends, my environment. Thanks for an interesting take on the times!