Fierce, Inc. Predicts 2013 Business Communications and Leadership Trends

SEATTLE --(Business Wire)--

Fierce, Inc., leadership development and training experts, today announces its predictions for management and business communications for 2013. These predictions are based upon the company's training experiences with organizations ranging from global Fortune-level businesses to startups and non-profits across the country. Fierce expects to see business communications and leadership methods continue to be dominated by the dual impacts of technology and the modernization of management methods. These predictions include:

1. Forward-thinking companies ditch the annual performance review. The antiquated yearly performance review will begin to see a rapid demise. More frequent, even ad hoc, employee performance reviews will replace the stilted, uncomfortable conversations of yesteryear. Organizations will embrace more spontaneous conversations about specific, recent performance functions, improving overall organization communication and allowing employees to more quickly improve the quality of their contributions.

2. Work/life balance incentives become as coveted as monetary perks. Cash-based incentives have long been the primary tool used to motivate and reward employees. In the modern workplace, where responsibilities are rarely constrained to office hours, work/life balance incentives have greater value. Fierce anticipates that incentives such as increased or even unlimited vacation time, the ability to pursue personal interests while at the office, e.g. gym memberships, continued education, management of fantasy football teams, etc., and even encouragement to engage in charitable efforts on company time will all become more prevalent.

3. Social media policies mature. Social media has become a powerful communication tool, but also a risky one. In 2012, an Olympic athlete and a campaign aide were severely punished for poor communication choices delivered via social media. In 2013, organizations of all types will develop clearer social media policies, eliminating some of the ambiguity that currently exists. In addition, IT staffs and marketing departments will collaborate more closely to develop methods and policies that allow employees to engage in strategically driven social media marketing.

4. Succession planning becomes a higher priority. C-suite changes are inevitable, and the pressures on company executives are only increasing. 2013 will continue to see significant turnover at the very top of organizations in all industries, but companies will become better prepared for these changes. Investment in succession planning will skyrocket, allowing companies to better manage change internally and externally.

5. "Jacks and Janes of all trades" become corporate heroes. After decades of increasing specialization within organizations, businesses will begin to reward the ability to "wear multiple hats." Corporate leaders are recognizing that in a downsized business environment, employees need to handle an increasing number of diverse tasks. What's more, millennials entering the workforce are resisting specialization, instead opting for career opportunities that offer broad experiences.

"The business environment is more competitive than ever, and companies are looking at all factors that can give them an edge, including how to attract, keep, and motivate their employees," said Halley Bock, CEO and president of Fierce, Inc. "In 2013, we predict that organizations will more rapidly adopt non-traditional approaches to empower and even invigorate staff to achieve more."

About Fierce

Fierce, Inc. is an award-winning leadership development and training company that drives results for business and education by improving workplace communication. Fierce creates authentic, energizing, and rewarding connections with colleagues and customers through skillful conversations that lead to successful outcomes and measurable ROI. Tailored to any organization, Fierce principles and methods translate across the globe, ensure individual and collective success, and develop skills that are practical, easy-to-learn and can be applied immediately. Fierce's programs have been successfully implemented at blue-chip companies, non-profits, and educational organizations worldwide, including Ernst & Young, Starbucks, Wal-Mart, Coca-Cola, CARE, and Crate & Barrel. Fierce has received numerous industry and business accolades. The company has twice been honored as an Inc. 500|5000 company, in 2011 was named to TrainingIndustry.com's "Companies to Watch" list, and in 2011 and 2012 selected to Seattle Business magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For" in Washington lists.