Guest column: Good team relationships essential for attracting new jobs

In today’s high-stress world, many families are struggling to feed themselves, buy gas for their car, and pay for their utilities. Many people are unemployed, underemployed, forced to work two jobs, or work long hours to survive.

There has never been a greater need for attracting new jobs and providing opportunities for people to go back to work. The American Dream is in jeopardy for most families.

A team made up of members that trust each other and have a common purpose is essential for success. Relationships within that team must be one of mutual trust and knowledge that the other team members will hold up their end of the effort. It truly takes a village to get the job done.

Anderson County and its cities and towns have worked together successfully over the years to attract good jobs. In fact, they have averaged over 1,000 new jobs per year between 2002 and 2010. Unfortunately, in 2011 and continuing into 2012, Anderson County has seen the worst two years of new job growth in a decade with only 249 new jobs in 2011, and monthly news articles of companies closing or laying people off. One company packed their bags and moved overseas.

What has happened? Perhaps one piece to the puzzle is that our team make-up has changed. Over the past two years, we have lost some of our most aggressive and successful team members. These former leaders and our team were successful because they would not allow themselves to be distracted by personal agendas or politics. They focused on attracting new jobs.

We must return to putting people’s needs first!