The world is constantly changing and there are effective and ineffective ways for businesses to deal with such changes. Truly effective businesses within the recruitment industry are not those looking to just survive the recession but those seeing it as an opportunity for change. Across more than 250 interviews and through hundreds of written articles, it is evident that a handful of trends that stand out from the crowd:

Think Global

Thinking global can be geographical. Thinking wider can be “outside the box”. Think Global is both and more. It is about leading the client in ways they have not considered. Most of all, think about adding NEW value. When you ask how to add NEW value, consider NEW ways of thinking.

Protect the Brand

Everything you do adds to the Brand or takes away from it. There is rarely neutral ground so protect the Brand at all times. Culture is the biggest key to brand protection – ensure the culture within your organisation matches that of your brand and the people who represent you will act as your brand ambassadors and protectors.

Be a Master of your Craft

People want specialists and experts who know what they are talking about. The future will be defined by those that clearly articulate and provide the essential expertise needed by their client. Ask “what makes us different”?

Take calculated risks but leave nothing to chance

Innovation, creativity and ‘throwing everything up in the air’ includes some risks. However, attention to detail is the counter-balance. It is imperative to try new ways of doing things but never, never, never take for granted the small things which can make or break everything!

Work with the best

Best is not simply technically the best, it also means the people that fit the organisation culturally. Whether it is hiring an employee, bringing in a subcontractor or partnering with another organisation, the fit has to be right. Fit is about the ability to compliment each other and combine skills, talent, values and strengths.

These five practices are the starting point for those businesses wishing to really grow beyond the recession. Each one includes a hundred more facets that can improve and grow businesses but only when they are managed and overseen by strong leaders with a desire to achieve more for everyone involved. Business leaders will discover that life after the recession will offer new challenges and new opportunities. Now is the time to prepare for them.

Paul Bridle is an international leadership methodologist