Americans returning to the workforce as we continue to recover may find it a different place then they left it. The last time they got hired, all they got was a handshake, now their information is entered into human resource management software that tracks their “employee life-cycle.” The last time they worked in an office, inefficiencies and scattered emails cut down on productivity and made work drag. Now we’ve got Google Docs and Basecamp, so projects proceed at an almost creepy, frictionless pace—kind of like the way that hybrid cars run silently. The last time they were on a construction, productivity might be wasted because the orders got changed or a minor tweak was made to the blueprint and the team didn’t find out about it until it was too late. Now your supervisor gets pinged on his iPhone, and knows how to pivot immediately if plans get changed. People, we are getting better at competing in the 21st century.
U.S. The Indestructible and Economic Recovery
According to Newsweek writer Daniel Gross, “…the U.S. is better, stronger and faster than anywhere else in the world.” Economists, pessimists and others may argue with his opinion, but a simple look at the numbers confirms his statement. Since March 2009, the U.S. economy has grown annually at a rate of 3 percent, and the stock market has grown more than 6 times. While international markets in Europe struggle with growing debt and insoluble banking, America’s economy consistently grows.
The recovery isn’t a fairy tale, though. Instead of relying on a magic beanstalk, the country relies on competency, competition, attitude and capabilities. These traits have characterized America since its birth over 200 years ago, and indicators suggest these traits will carry the country well into the future.
As proof, consider companies like Ford. Executives quickly restructured operations, aggressively limited debt, invested in growth and embraced foreign markets. While working cooperatively to limit the effects of the economic downturn, they also used existing resources and created a plan of action that propelled the company and the economy into growth.
Top U.S. companies are not the only ones that rally to support America’s economic recovery. When pushed into a recession, workers and companies stood up, reevaluated procedures and made changes that effectively increased their current profitability and future success. From the employees who conserve office supplies to tools that increase productivity, the entire nation continues to embrace the spirit of cooperation, productivity and efficiency.
These core values might appear to be too little, too late, but they actually provide a sturdy structure for America’s stability. The ability to produce quality products with steadfastness allows the U.S. to compete with foreign markets and develop new products that meet global needs.
Billions of people worldwide enjoy a rising standard of living that enables them to purchase a portion of America’s $180 billion monthly exported goods and services. Agriculture remains a top export industry as countries buy beef, soybeans and other foodstuffs from American farmers. Additionally, 90 electricity-generating units, valued at $25 million per unit, home décor and other manufactured goods bring big money into the nation’s economy.
Like product exports, the American experience remains strong. International tourists continue to spend billions of dollars every year in U.S. cities. Additionally, students arrive by the thousands to purchase an education with their exported tuition dollars. These resources are two examples of the strength offered only in America.
Don’t forget the business that American companies perform overseas. Starbucks, Mary Kay and others provide products to the world’s buyers while receiving financial benefits for the U.S. As one example, General Motors partners with Chinese car company SAIC to revive the Buick brand. With high volume production and sales, this one overseas factory powers the brand internationally and strengthens the economy stateside.
Companies like Apple and Google also provide global influence. As recognizable and trusted brands, their projects are purchased and utilized in the business world and private sector worldwide. The development of cutting-edge technology supports the U.S. economy and provides the basis for continued economic arrangements globally. These companies and others remain strong in the international market that increasingly relies on American products.
Unemployment is reality for many American workers right now, but as citizens and companies continue to support the economy and build a better America, the country grows stronger. That’s what makes the U.S. indestructible: fierce determination to succeed, unlimited cooperation, steadfast resilience, and abundant resources used to build a better tomorrow with economic recovery.