It’s a full-time job just keeping up with the headlines on EFCA. While it initially appeared to be a “lock” for approval, it has now become mired in controversy and looks to have less than a 50% chance of success in its proposed form. But while the future of the act (as proposed) is in question, there is no question that it is far from a done deal.

Most of the swing votes in the U.S. Senate that have “swung away” from supporting the act have done so on the basis of timing, not ideology. It’s more about the weakness in the economy than the in any fundamental issue with the act.

But the unions are pragmatic enough to consider some of the compromise language that has been bandied about by a group of high profile business leaders, including Howard Schultz of Starbucks. They know that “a version” of the act is better than “no act at all.” Especially because they are patient enough to wait for another bite of the apple.

So if you are waiting to hear the “death knell” for EFCA, you could be in for a long wait. The better strategy is to manage your business in such a way as to make the future of EFCA moot. It involves engaging the people in the business as only you, their employer can. Now is the time to be more concerned about leading, than lobbying.

So the always enigmatic Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, has reversed field and decided to vote “no” on EFCA. This clearly damages the likely approval of the bill, especially as proposed, but it is far from dead. Specter was quoted in the Wall Street Journal today as saying “the problems of this recession make this a particularly bad time to enact” the bill. So clearly, his concern is more one of timing, than ideology. (more…)

Today’s Wall Street Journal features an article explaining how the fight over EFCA is focusing on three senators in the states of Pennsylvania (Arlen Specter), Colorado (Michael Bennet) and Arkansas (Blanche Lincoln). These lawmakers, all up for re-election in 2010, are being heavily lobbied by pro-business and pro-labor groups. It is not known which way these senators will vote (though there are lots of opinions). Specter, for one said “I will vote my conscience.” Scary. (more…)

My previous posts have emphasized how you can defuse the potential impact of E.F.C.A. at your company by implementing the T.E.A.M. model. Don’t be confused by the cutesy acronym, that this approach is akin to joining hands around the campfire and singing Kumbaya. Far from it, T.E.A.M. provides a guide to enroll and engage your employees in the business of the business. Nothing exemplifies this point stronger than the “M” which stands for  “measure and manage.” (more…)

T.E.A.M. is your best defense against EFCA. This model ensures that your employees have a voice, input and performance standards to live into at your company, which obviates the need for external intervention. But T.E.A.M. is little more than words, if it doesn’t include the “A” for Act. Touching and engaging your employees provides the fuel to act, or do something about what you learn. (more…)