Treat with Dignity

Have you ever been laid off from your job?
 
How did you feel?
 
Having been on both sides of the table, I learned that the layoff situation is deeply personal and should be handled at the greatest personal level.
 
Laying someone off due to leadership miscalculations should be one of the toughest things you ever do in leadership.
 
When leading my team, I set specific requirements for the direct supervisor to be present when conducting a layoff.
 
There was one manager who simply did not feel that laying someone off was a good use of his time, as he once laid off a representative by phone, causing serious discussion between him and me about human dignity and the trust and regard for his remaining team.
 
Then, with complete disregard to our conversation, he laid off a rep via email, leading to the implanting of a stop sign to his otherwise bright future with the organization.
 
Sol says, “A person’s own foolishness leads him astray.” (Proverbs 19:3) as it did in this case.
 
Here are some important interpersonal relationship skills to keep in mind should you ever have to conduct a layoff with anyone on your team.
 
-> Be Present – Show up in person to share the bad news. While it may not be possible to be physically there in all cases, online meeting resources are far more personal than an email, phone call, or text Remember, someone is losing their livelihood which is deeply personal.
-> Be Professional – Stick to the facts of the matter without being drawn into any blame that may arise.
-> Be Generous – Severance packages should be as generous as possible. Remember, someone is losing their job now for something not addressed over time.
-> Be Kind – Always do your best to leave the recipient with their dignity.
 
Remember, effective leadership requires numerous relationship skills.
 
Make it a great day and keep being awesome.