With a possible recession looming, it seems that re-orgs and restructuring have become our new normal, with leaders at every level feeling pressure to “get their house in order.” It’s understandable if you’re starting to feel a bit numb to the process. But, as Bobbie LaPorte explains in her October 24 “Your Best Next Move” video, how you communicate with people on their way out can be just as important as how you treat them on the way in.
Transcript of Your Next Best Move: Leadership Tips for Reorg Communication
Hi everyone, Bobbie LaPorte here again with my weekly leadership tip for your Best Next Move, where I help you see continuing curveballs as an opportunity.
I feel like reorgs and restructuring continue to be the subject of these weekly tips. And that’s because they are no longer the occasional occurrence. These reshufflings are now part of normal business operations.
Leaner, more accountable, and more efficient organizations are now a priority for leaders, more so than they have been in the past.
The boom days are waning, if not over; the almost certainty of a looming recession has created a sense of urgency for leaders to get their houses in order. And in many cases, these next changes are coming on top of pandemic-related shakeups that are still not complete.
Most leaders have been through multiple organizational changes, and understand the importance of transparent communications before, during, and after, and moving quickly and decisively.
At the same time, I have seen how some leaders can get numb to the process, and default to moving through quickly, detached, and without emotion or compassion. That can result in negative outcomes for you personally and the organization.
Here’s my tip:
- Consider treating people the same on their way out as you did when they joined the organization.
- Show empathy and compassion, and encouragement for their next step.
- Appreciate and acknowledge their work and contributions, just as you promised you would when you hired them.
Regardless of the industry you are in, we live in an increasingly small world, and when things turn around, you may need these people again. Or they might be in a position to support you.
You just never know.
That’s my tip for the week, I’ll see you next Monday.
Related Posts
Leading Through the Continuous Curveballs of Corporate Reorgs
How to Turn Reorganizations Into Opportunity for My Team
Advice for Tech Executives Facing Reorganization Curveballs
View a list of all Bobbie’s posts and podcasts on leadership facing reorganization curveballs and uncertainty.