In these very uncertain times the US Government’s work model is to do more with less and operate a budget as fiscally lean as possible. With this comes the need to adapt, make changes including budget cuts in more than one area and still lead others in order to survive. Sounds like a piece of cake? Well, it’s not! Budget cuts 
affects the top of the house all the way down to the basement.
The impact of being fiscally lean, can affect people differently. Imagine as a child having a big birthday party for eight years straight and all of sudden without warning, the parties stop. It is very natural for a person in this situation to be upset, right?
Back to today’s reality, individuals that are on the receiving end of fiscally lean budget cuts can experience anxiety, fear, uncertainty and can be overly concerned about what will happen next.
Some suggestions to consider adopting during these difficult times would be:
Do not panic! Sometimes fiscally lean budgets stimulate internal competition and can lead to better bottom lines than expected. In this case, it is not uncommon for employers to give this money back to the staff either extrinsically or towards a benefit that will provide value to its employees.
Do not take it personal. Executives and leaders are often faced with tough decision to make however, in the end the decision made will be what is best for the “whole” not the “individual”.
Do not be naive! Do what is best for you and your situation. Meaning, if an opportunity comes along that could further you and / or provide you with an improved financial outcome (i.e. growth potential, lower benefits premiums etc..), you should keep your options open. Make a list of pro’s and con’s of your current situation and the opportunity you are presented with.
Make yourself invaluable! Cross-train, self-learn, volunteer , demonstrate your strengths consistently, etc… Manage your time well while demonstrating organization. These are key attributes that are considered an asset to an organization. These key attributes also set you apart as a High Performing Employee (HPE).
Think of the big picture! “Nothing good lasts forever”. Change is imminent. It’s a not a matter of “if” but, “when”.
Do not shoot the messenger! There are decision makers and there are those that implement the decisions made. Be clear and careful to whom you vent your frustrations on and to!
Do not suffer in silence. Open your mouth! Asking questions of front line management is fine and also sometimes necessary. Most leaders want to lead by example which often includes being transparent. Ask your questions.
So in the end, being fiscally lean does not equal being fiscally mean. Great Organizational Leaders remember their greatest asset, their staff! They will eventually pivot and will do what is necessary to retain great talent and to attract new talent. Even if the decisions made in the past, were wrong for that time and wrong for the people on the receiving end.