Thinking.

Whenever a recession comes, the first attempt by the Management is to reduce 'Manpower.' This makes the situation worse as the remaining workforce gets de-motivated and stops making any productive contribution at the workplace. Further, when the boom comes around, the Management makes a dash to recruit new hands and spend tons of money to train them.

Would it not be better to not axe people when the going get tough but keep them on no-increment basis, redeploying in cost cutting areas ? This will enable the workforce to appreciate their Mgt and give their best in the recession and finally, when the boom comes, we have an already trained workforce getting more engaged at work as they never lost their jobs.

Character vs Reputation.

Most people are bothered about their reputation. What others think about them ! It should really be the other way round as "Character" is what you think of yourself and "Reputation" is what others think of you. In other words, Character is what you are in the "dark" and Reputation is what you are in the "light."

Think about it, what is MORE important.