I've been reading the informative articles that are published here and on other sites like WSJ and I wanted to make a general comment about the economy and our future. Feel free to let me know what you think.
We all know the economy has been fluctuating between barely hanging in there to crashed for the past couple of years. Our previous and current administrations have both been blamed for the down economy and the seemingly thoughtless expenditure of tax payer money has decreased the popularity of a once-loved president.
This is the situation in America today, no matter what state, county or city you live in. Everyone is affected by the economic downturn.
With such depressing news out there, it's hard to look at the future as anything but a bleak expanse of government bailouts, undiscovered corruption amongst previously trusted corporations and government bodies, and general oppression by institutions we once looked up to.
It's my opinion, though, that we can make things better. Yes, the government is throwing good money after bad at the nation's problems. Yes, companies we once trusted are filling their coffers with this money and not sharing with those who need help. But, this nation was created upon the belief that as a people, we could change conditions and make a better place to live. So far, we haven't done too bad. While the problems we are experiencing are terrible and the trials ahead might be frightening, we can get through it.
I get angry about the current economy, I get upset when I read about what's being done. But that's the point. I'm just reading about what's being done and not doing anything about it. We are a nation of doers, and by golly, I think we can individually decide to change conditions within our own companies, within our own lives, and persist until those conditions are bettered. This might mean you or I have to extend a helping hand to another company or person. It might mean a vendor has to extend a helping hand to you for a bit. It might mean you have to send out more promotional materials or collaborate with a competitor. There's nothing wrong with that. After all, this nation, our states, counties, cities and companies are all made of individuals, and most individuals are pretty compassionate.
So far, it seems to me that compassion and the urge to make things better are the only things that have helped this country become a leading economic power on the world stage. If enough people start making changes for the better within their own lives and their own companies, the economy has to turn around. Because we are a nation of individuals who choose to band together and forge a better home for ourselves, our families, our friends and loved ones.
I, for one, have become inspired to change conditions in my life and work place. As a group, we've collaborated and come up with fun games to play during the workday that forward our production, but keeps things fun. Our Deputy CEO has gone on a thanking binge. We make sure to give our staff vacation time. These little injections of joy help our days fly by and, in my opinion, help our company become more successful.
So, here's hoping your life and your workplace stay busy and happy!
- Julia Scott-Douglas, COO, Timely Documents