View cart    
 

If you’ve been able to avoid layoffs at your organization this year, chances are you know an owner who’s not been so fortunate. Either way, downsizing is a constant possibility these days, and you and your staff will handle the stress of it more effectively if you’re prepared to respond to the reactions of those who lose their jobs—and those who don’t. Some tips:

1. Be authentic about what’s happening in your organization and why. Secrecy and unpredictability breed mistrust and “negative grape-vining.” Give your staff accurate and timely information, even if it’s negative news.

2. Anticipate trauma and shock. People often have a “deer in the headlights” reaction to high stress, during which they’re temporarily suspended between fight and flight. Let them know this was not personal; it was a business decision. And give them an opportunity to vent their thoughts and feelings, while you listen to understand.

3. Manage expectations. For the remaining employees, it’s important to address the “waiting for the other shoe to drop” syndrome. Give them honest information about the future of the organization, and let them participate in decision making, if possible.

4. Increase your capacity for collaborative learning. Rapid learning is a big key to surviving and sustaining market share in a down economy. Analyze how well and quickly your team members learn together and then work to increase their capacity.

   To start building a team that learns rapidly, help your people develop:

   1. An awareness of each person’s intrinsic worth;
   2. The ability to be straightforward and assertive without being arrogant and pushy;
   3. The desire to stay curious instead of being fearful in difficult situations;
   4. An ability to appreciate and see the positives and drawbacks in multiple perspectives;
   5. A belief that collaboration is more useful than competition;
   6. A desire to use imagination and absurd thinking to solve problems; and
   7. A love of change and of the learning process.

   Welcome to Innovative InterChange!

    

    

iiChange Meetings

How do your
meetings score?

Try our self scoring iiChange Meetings Meter
and see if we could help
your meetings be more effective.

Kathy Hollingsworth noted as a nominee for the
2009 B2B HOT LIST- The future success of the Dayton region will depend on the community working together, especially those in the business sector. Kathy, President of iiChange, was noted as key to helping shape the region’s growth and economy in the coming year. Congratulations Kathy!

"Bringing Out Your Best"
a monthly column by Kathy Hollingsworth

Ascent of the Eagle Being and Becoming Your Best A new book by Charlie Palmgren In this book, a sequel to his book “The Chicken Conspiracy,” Palmgren explores the innate process that allows each of us to be and become our best — a process of transformation we call Innovative InterChange™. Order Now!