August - Chicago Business Barometer™
The Chicago Business Barometer™ progressed 0.8 points to 46.1 in August. The marginal move means it remains in contractionary territory for the ninth consecutive month, although is comfortably above the year-to-date average of 42.9.
The marginal rise was due to three of the five subcomponents improving. The marginal upward movement was driven by New Orders, followed by Production and Supplier Deliveries. Whilst small reductions in Order Backlogs and Employment capped the upside move.
August special question asked: "How are the upcoming November Elections affecting your hiring plans?" Majority responded No Impact 50.0%, Minimal Impact 30.0%, Hiring more permanent workers 3.3%, with Hiring less workers at 16.7%.
Released August 30, 2024.
When You Reach an Impasse With a Young Teammate
In today's fragile workforce, leaders must take a relational approach to correction.
When a younger staff member makes a wrong decision because of preceived inexperience, Tim Elmore, CEO of Growing Leaders, provides "A LEG" to stand on when talking with them by first asking questions to get at the root of their reasoning, making them feel heard by listening intently, empathizing to signal that you understand and only then guiding them from your personal power instead of your position. "Your influence now comes from a relationship, not a title," Elmore notes.
Full Story: Inc. (8/30)
Building the 'Procurement Intelligence Team'
Data never sleeps, and your procurement operation shouldn't either.
Tealbook founder Stephany LaPierre explains why a 'data brain' is needed to collect and analyze the necessary data for efficient procurement operations.
Full Story: SCMR (August)