No Budget

A great New Year Resolution would be a solution to the cryptic answer given by companies. “Sorry, we would love to support what you are doing, but we have no budget.” What does that mean? How does someone create a budget? Where do budgets come from? Not complex. You fight for it. Unfortunately, with all the downsizing going on, especially in the financial sector, most staff don’t want to increase their profile by demanding more money, so they might be more effective at their job. The last thing most employees for large financial institution want is to draw too much attention to themselves, so most don’t fight for anything, fearing being let go with the next downsizing. The strategy becomes, keep your head down and don’t draw too much attention to yourself.

My question is “how is that strategy working out for the employer and employee?”. Are you selling more, getting more clients, inspiring staff, or is everyone in defensive, survival mode. That approach will not bring out greatness of staff. Don’t be afraid to fight for the tools you need to do your job or for things that should be done. Otherwise you are just coasting through and trying to achieve the minimum and not attracting too much attention to yourself. This strategy won’t help you or your company. “No budget” means you are not willing to ask or work for achieving that budget. You might surprise yourself by going for it. Perhaps you will learn that you are in the wrong place, or your superiors will be impressed with your initiative. Either way you win. Believe me.