Don't Wait For A Crisis

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in December alone the U.S. lost 524,000 jobs, for a total of 11.1 million unemployed Americans. Every type of industry (with the possible exception of health care and education, at this point) has been impacted. Some experts are predicting the worst is yet to come. Business Week's, Rebecca Reisner, has a helpful article on "Stopping Survivor Guilt," addressing how leaders can help those who have been left behind deal with the aftermath of painful layoffs.  

We think that what she has to say is good advice for leaders even in every circumstance.

A typical "survivor guilt" pattern for those who watch their colleagues and friends lose their jobs (while they are spared) is to first feel genuine compassion. That is followed by guilt (why them and not me?) mixed with relief (whew! thank goodness it wasn't me). And that is often followed by resentment (look at all this work I have to do now) and anger (nobody appreciates me). The signs of survivor guilt include absenteeism, personality changes, poor performance, anxiety, irritability, depression. 

How can leaders respond? Reisner gives three tips: 

• Reach out...to the people who have been let go! Send emails or personal notes. Call them up to see how they're doing and just to say hello. Do what you can, in terms of outplacement counseling and job referrals. Through a company blog or email, let the survivors know what's being done to help those who have been laid off and encourage people to stay in touch with their friends who have lost their jobs. 
• Manage the new workloads. Whenever a staff is downsized, the people who are left end up with more on their plate. Do what you can to make sure that what ends up there really matters. Give them permission to not do things that aren't that important. Be more purposeful. Also, give people a chance to vent and to participate in the restructuring; involve them in figuring out solutions; listen to them. 
• Put yourself on the line.  Now is the time to lead. Let people know what you're doing to help your organization get through this difficult time. Set the tone. Be an example. Go above and beyond whatever it is you're expecting from the people who report to you. Tell stories about the good things that are happening here and now and let people know you're committed to helping your organization survive - and come out stronger on the other side of this mess - and that you're counting on them to help.

Here's the bottom line: Many leaders are facing (or going to be facing) very difficult decisions these days. But no matter how much stress you're under as a leader during these difficult times, you can never forget that PEOPLE are your most precious natural resource. They are not disposable! You can't just use them up and toss them away when you don't need them or can't afford them anymore. Treat people the way you would want to be treated. Care about them! Include their voices. Tap into their creativity, intelligence, and energy. Be purposeful in your work together. Do what matters. 

We think this is pretty good advice for leaders in every circumstance. If you're in a crisis, pay attention. If you're not, don't wait for one to convince you to start building a Renewable Organization today.