Downsizing…Right-sizing, lay-offs or workforce adjustment, whatever the current “correct” terminology, the fact remains that it is the most difficult thing that managers will deal with in their careers.
There are two (only two?!) issues regarding downsizing. First, the period of downsizing brings with it incredible anxiety for everyone. Both managers and employees have to “get through” this period where downsizing is announced and individuals are notified. While this is the period of greatest short term stress, it is an acute situation.
The second problem and one of much more long term significance is the issue of those that remain. Somehow managers have to deal with the fall-out from the downsizing process, and move their organizations beyond the grief, the anger and the loss of morale that characterizes these major organizational events. It is those that remain that will determine what happens to the organization. We are going to talk about the long term issues here.
The First Few Weeks
In the first few weeks after downsizing even those who still have jobs will feel a lot of difficult things. Grief, anger, sense of betrayal, and depression are common “normal” reactions. Typically productivity drops as people work through their feelings by talking with each other.
This applies to the leader of the organization. However, the leader has an important role to play in helping employees get past the initial reactions.
During this time, it is important he/she does not pressure employees unduly, either in the areas of increasing productivity, or in expressing feelings about the change. Some people want to talk, others not. Some will work harder and some will not. The leader’s job is to help by gently talking to them, both in group settings and individually about their reactions, and how he/she can help.
Listening is the key here. Asking questions and keeping his/her own comments to a minimum, and not exhorting or pressure people. By showing concern and interest, the leader will be working towards repairing the sense of broken trust that accompanies downsizing.
During this period, the leader needs to take stock of his/her own emotional situation. His/her ability to lead people through the tough times will depend on his/her own physical and emotional health. Talking to colleagues outside the organization is a good idea, or at least, venting the feelings with someone unconnected with the organization. If the leader finds him/herself plagued by sleeplessness, mood swings and depression and guilt, he/she shouldn’t hesitate to take advantage of support services that are available.
Normalizing
The initial shock of downsizing is likely to linger for some time, certainly for more than the two weeks mentioned. Unfortunately, the leader and his/her staff have goals to accomplish, people to serve. At some point there is a need to get on with it, to normalize the situation.
It is difficult for leaders to determine when it is time to start sending the message that “business as usual” must prevail. Too early and one alienates and anger staff…too late and one ends up wallowing. It is best to start normalizing slowly and gently.
The situation in the organization can be helped if the leader starts to address any operational problems that might have been caused by the downsizing. Any shifting in staff will result in new challenges in terms of doing business, and there can be some confusion and chaos regarding how everybody is going to go about doing “business” with a smaller staff complement.
It is important that the chaos be reduced. Normally this will mean clarifying with staff any concerns they have about getting the business done, and problem-solving around the issues. The longer that there is confusion, the more likely there will be permanent effects on organizational health and morale.
During this period, both group problem solving meetings and individual discussions are appropriate and recommended. We should bring ALL staff into the discussion, and making sure everyone is clear what they should be doing.
While the feelings of employees are important during this phase, staffs need to be slowly moved back to getting the job done. By getting clear understandings of the changes, we will create a climate of stability, which is necessary for the “recovery” of people in the organization.
Futuring
The first part of adjusting to downsizing is to address the feelings of those that remain. The second is to focus on dealing with the operational problems stemming from the changes, and the third step deals with the future.
People need a vision of the future, a sense of what they are trying to achieve, and they also need to know that they are part of a goal-oriented team pulling in the same direction. While we have talked above about “getting through”, futuring involves people in trying to create (or confirm) a vision of the organization, and its goals, values, purpose, etc. It is the creation and commitment to these things that will work to revitalize an organization that has been downsized.
The futuring process is usually a group process, and can extend to undertaking strategic planning, re-examination of priorities, operational planning, and review of role and mission. By doing these kinds of things we can promote a sense that the future will bring positive, exciting things. Organizations that have lost staff need to have that sense if they are to rebuild.
Conclusion
Leading staff through downsizing requires the leader to exercise superior judgement and decision-making. It’s a complicated task that involves the leader in recognizing the natural reactions of those that remain in the organization, and determining the right timing for moving the organization from the emotional reactions to a focus on the present and future. While it is difficult, the consequences of mismanaging or under-managing the situation are severe. Both management and staff will suffer if the timing is wrong, or managers deny or avoid dealing with the fall-out from downsizing.
click here to download article.
- Powered by Article Dashboard team dynamics
- Powered by Article Dashboard ski area
- Powered by Article Dashboard colorado ski areas
- Powered by Article Dashboard how to deal with difficult people
- powered by myBB exercise
- powered by SMF colorado ski resorts
- leaders role in downsizing
- powered by myBB ski area
- Powered by Article Dashboard doing business in mexico
- Powered by Article Dashboard ski resort jobs
