The Company: Insurance Company
The Challenger: Group HR Director
My company is in the process of introducing a series of job cuts across the workforce, and some of the members of my team will be involved. I want to communicate with them directly and prepare them, though I know other board members are not planning to talk with those they are responsible for. As a trusted leader, what can I do to minimise the adverse impact of the redundancies, but at the same time maintain alignment with the strategy across the board?
The Solution: There is never an easy solution to these types of challenges. Firstly, staying true to yourself and being authentic in your leadership is critical. Not just for those to whom you need to present tough news, but also for ‘the survivors’ who will need to know that they can still trust you and look to you for support.
Of course, if some of your colleagues are choosing to handle the situation differently, your concerns are understandable. It sounds like you have an open and honest relationship with your team so they will also understand that you will not necessarily be in a position to share every detail of the future strategy with them. Sharing as much as is appropriate for them as individuals, whilst demonstrating a clear support for the company’s vision and plans will not compromise your situation.
At a time like this, your communication skills, in particular your ability to really listen to the individuals in your team, giving them your absolute, undivided attention and really connecting in the present moment, will be key. They will have concerns, many of which you may not be able to answer, but at least being able to share them in a totally supportive environment, will help them to clear their thinking. This is also a time when asking questions and listening, rather than giving advice is likely to prove the most useful and powerful thing you can do. Rather than stating that this situation could provide them with some exciting opportunities, a question such as, ‘If you knew that this will give you the chance to explore new challenges and opportunities, what action would you take first?’, may open their thinking in a more productive way.
Developing your personal leadership skills is often looked upon as the ‘pink and fluffy’ approach. However, it doesn’t mean that we shy away from dealing with the ‘difficult situations’, instead it means we are better equipped to really support people through these kinds of challenges, so that they can continue to prosper and thrive, whether they are leaving us or staying. Being authentic as a leader is vital. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, ‘to be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else, is the greatest accomplishment.’
