Fear is not a growth strategy. Period.

This is the headline from an editor's note in the February 2009 edition of Entrepreneur Magazine.

In this editor's note, Amy C. Cosper (Editor-in-Chief) says "Fear makes us irrational -- like thinking cutting and growing are the same thing. Cutting costs does not equal growing sales. Never has. Never will."

Those words really struck me as I read them. I couldn't agree more and it is refreshing to see people in influencial positions write so eloquently the thoughts that have been on my mind for the past months.

I also read in a magazine last year about the remifications of making multiple staffing cuts in an organzation that is downsizing as opposed to making one large cut. The mental ramifications and the loss of productivity from existing staff are tremendous. I worked for an organization that went thru so many staff reductions that by the time I left, I actually walked in the door each day wondering who would be let go that day. Would it be me? While I felt secure in my strengths, abilities and what I could deliver to the organization, the multiple cuts were taking their toll and I found myself no longer wanting to give my all to an organization that couldn't get a hold of their business and make firm decisions they could stand behind.

We all know the economy hasn't hit the bottom yet. It is frustrating to be an employee at a business where management is so short-sighted that they are unable to see past tomorrow.

While I think all of use have to head into each work-week with a cautious eye on the market and other economic factors, we also need to be motivated and we need to be productive. Once you stop producing for a business, you are giving them every reason to let you go. Make your impact...and make it known.