Managing During Layoff Time

I wish I never had to experience this in my lifetime, but I did. I have experienced it too much. Recent announcements by Intel and other large companies of layoffs or reduction in force or redeployment – whatever it is called is tough. It is tough for every individual in the company. As a manager you have one of the toughest jobs during this time – and after.

Whatever the process the company uses to identify those individuals that are truly losing their job – you the manager will probably have to identify in some way or another – who… It could be based on skills – you help with skills assessment. It could be based on performance – you had a hand in that. It could be based on your particular business within the company is going away. Whatever the reason – you had a hand in it.

What to do? From my experience there is about 5 things that I would try and communicate to other managers to do during these difficult times.

1. Communicate, communicate and communicate! No one likes surprises. During these difficult times it is easy to get the rumor mill flowing, running and going crazy. Make sure that you are communicating with your team. Share what you can. Spend time discussing what is one your mind as well. Don’t think that you are over communicating – because I bet if you asked the team – they would say you still did not communicate enough.
2. Listen! It is easy to get wrapped up in all of the “stuff.” As the manager, you need to ensure that you are listening to what is being said, what is being written and watching for signs that people are going through. Don’t be afraid to ask, “how are you doing?” or “anything you need to discuss today?” If have been open and fair with your folks – they will let you know what is going on. They will share with you what is happening out there. Listen and make sure that you don’t over-react – stay focused on the message that is being communicated to you.
3. Take care of yourself! Guess what? You are a person too! You are going through this just like your team. Make sure that you are getting enough sleep. Asking for help when needed. Talk to your manager. You will not be any help to your team if you are not taking care of yourself. The team’s eyes are looking straight at you. Being the rock can take a lot out of you.
4. Keep the Focus! Depending how fast or slow the process of layoffs is – keep the focus on one thing – the work. Insure that the goals of the team are out front and center. There will be times that folks will lose focus. My message to everyone that I had gone through this with has been, “we can only control one thing… That is the work that we produce. Let’s make sure that is one time and the best that it can be.”
5. Afterwards – Take care of your team! When the layoffs are over, your team may have change. With a single team member leaving the team – the team will feel it. Make sure you are open and visible to your team. Some folks may want to talk about it. The impact maybe little or huge – you need to make sure that whatever changed is dealt with. New expectations, new goals/plans or whatever – you need to communicate the changes. Get the team back to performing well!

My first time going through this was painful. Well, to be honest – every time it was painful. These are people and they all have feelings. Even you the manager have feelings. I develop my 5 things to think about to insure that I was doing my best for the team, myself and the organization.

What do you do?

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