About a month ago the company I’m working for gathered all 60 of us into a tight meeting room and announced that there would be layoffs in July. It’s not because we’re shrinking or doing poorly, in fact–it’s quite the opposite. It’s because we’re growing. Perhaps on another day I’ll tell you how that works. Those of us who are in management positions already knew what was coming, and it made the meeting all the more interesting because I could sit back and observe the reactions of everyone else.
It helped that the company purchased giant breakfast burritos for everyone and passed them out before the meeting (my idea). Mine was filled with bacon, potatoes, sausage, cheese, and eggs… This of course sounds to you like a tactic to butter people up and soften the blow. And maybe it is… but so what. The truth is at our company, it’s not unusual. Upper management always treats us extremely well with tons of perks, and they’re always transparent about the company’s health.
The burritos were a nice touch, one of those perks. And sure, it probably did soften the blow for a few people.
As our President announced pending layoffs, I observed a wide range of reactions including…
- Panic & Fear…
- Nonchalant, blank stares…
- Exasperation…
- Utter delight…
- Desperation…
As an already prepped (and occasionally apathetic) observer I couldn’t help but chuckle at some of my co-workers who were hearing the news for the first time–especially the ones filled with panic. I tend to keep my cool in most situations, and I don’t view being laid off as the end of the world either… I’ve got to be careful about what I say here because I’m sure some of my coworkers are reading this…
I began thinking during that meeting about what makes the difference between who beats layoffs and who gets squashed, and then if I were one to be squashed, what I’d do… Here are my mental notes from that meeting.
- Panicked? Pack your bags… From my experience the ones who panic in meetings are the ones who are not prepared. These are the ones who put just enough air into their jobs to stay afloat but are not prepared for the rapids. They haven’t given enough effort to truly be indispensable at work. Chances are after the meeting, they’ll work really hard for a day or two, but then go back to their old ways.
- Have you made yourself indispensable? The first thing I always do at work is figure out how to become indispensable to my managers or to my freelance client. That may be working harder than every one else. It may be working smarter than every one else. It may be washing your boss’s car (bribery?)… it’s usually finding out how to make your manager’s job easier. When you’re indispensable the company will do everything necessary to keep you. And if you still get axed? At least they’ll give you a glowing recommendation because you deserve it. This in itself is job security. (If you haven’t read Linchpin by Seth Godin, you’re missing out.)
- Have you shot yourself in the foot? Maybe you haven’t done anything too stupid to make yourself a candidate for the chopping block, but when layoffs get tight some companies have to choose between the way you tie your shoes versus the next guy. And that’s when the little things really matter. Do you chat too long with coworkers? Do you browse too much internet? Do you spend too much time on the phone or texting? Are you frequently found roaming the halls? Do you gossip and spread juicy office news? These things can break you.
- What do you need to change? Take a minute and analyze your own behavior. What did you do when you first arrived at work? Were you late? Were you early? Did you sit down and read the news or did you get a jump start on that project your client (or manager) wanted finished by the weekend? Remember that not all change is going from a negative behavior to a positive one. Sometimes it’s taking that positive behavior and turning it into a ROCK STAR awesome habit. For example instead of just completing that last project in time, you went the extra mile and added that extra feature your manager wanted so badly, but was cut at the last minute. Not only did you complete it on time, you gave the manager a bonus.
- If I were laid off… I wouldn’t sit around crying, whining, or worrying about my life. There will always be consequences to every action, and the worst is never as bad as it seems. Instead of moping around and feeling sorry for myself, I’d work my butt off even more with freelance projects and become a full-time freelancer. I’d get to work in the community so people would see me and know that I exist and am a hard worker. And I’d be using my network like a crazy(er) man. Being laid off friends, is not the end. It’s the opportunity to start something else, something greater, it’s an opportunity to build and create.
In the end, I left that meeting extremely full (big burritos) and confident that even if I were to be squashed in the end, I’d have a whole new world of opportunity. And that’s when the excitement really begins.
Very nice analysis, Chris. It’s amazing when people act shocked when they are let go. Now, lots of companies are going through tough times and not everyone who has been laid off, should have been, but usually if the axe is coming your way…..you know it!
Great attitude too, there is always a whole new world of opportunity.
Ah, yes. I recall that meeting. I think your advice about making yourself indispensable is spot on. Other things I’d add to your analysis (very nice, btw) is the way you deal with your peers and co-workers. This is a derivative of your “have you shot yourself in the foot” post, but I have noticed that the people who make a distinguished effort to work with others and be assertive and yet amicable tend to stick around longer than people who have attitude or who complain to or about co-workers or their job.
Great observation. Very true.
Thanks Brian. I feel bad for those who are laid off but should not have been… that makes it a little more rough.
For people who know they’re going to be laid off (performance related), I think it’s important to help them understand what they can do better for their next job, that way it eases the burden a little bit.
You can never rely on a business you’re employed by to ever take care of you financially which is why I preferred to take the route of being in charge of my own destiny and owning the business I work for. When I got fired in Oct 2009 it didn’t matter because I was already making more money from my websites than my day job.
One thing that confuses me about this blog post though is the fact that you’re apparently in a management position and laughing at the employees that may be getting fired. This brings about two problems:
1. No one likes to lose a job so I don’t see why you should be laughing at them
2. Why would you be writing this stuff on the internet where anyone (i.e. your president) could see it and get you in trouble for discussing it in a public forum.
In any case, would love to hear your response.
.-= Chris Guthrie´s last blog post: Split testing light box pop ups using Aweber =-.
Hi Chris, I appreciate your comment. It’s good to hear that you were prepared for when you were given the slip. Most people are not prepared for emergency situations which is unfortunate. The purpose of this post is to better prepare employees.
In response to your concerns:
1. Most people don’t like to lose a job (I wouldn’t say ‘no one’). It’s the reactions of those who were panicked and surprised by the news but shouldn’t have been that I chuckle at, not the fact that they’ll be losing their jobs. As always I do my best to help those I work with to keep their jobs and to keep them informed so that they’re prepared for any possible actions.
2. I don’t believe I’ve shared anything that would jeopardize anyone’s job at my company except mine, or jeopardize the company itself. I felt that my observations were appropriate for a time when many people were struggling with job loss. Perhaps I might be too candid at times, perhaps not, but I’m willing to share my experiences. I don’t believe my post shares any inappropriate information, and if it does and the president sees it and disagrees with my approach, I guess I’ll know differently when the time comes.
This topic was on my mind when I first heard from my wife and my nephew that in their companies layoffs are happening quick and fast. And the numerous, stories of suicidal deaths and the frustrating news that I read about people who went bankrupt and …. it really moved me so much.
I really contemplated writing in my blog about this very tricky issue.
All I wanted to tell those who are laid off, though it’s a difficult time for them, but indeed it’s a great opportunity to take a hard look at their career. Are they really interested in their job – some are there just because they studied for it; not because they liked it. It’s a good opportunity for them to see where their heart is.
But, the truth is it’s not so easy to start afresh. It needs a total overhaul of our personality to look at our life anew. Yes, it’s not that easy as we see it.
A very honest analysis of the issue; I think you helped many to look at the realities in the face and take a good decision.
You’re right, it’s not easy to start fresh for most people. When you’re used to a routine it can be difficult to think of what the possibilities are instead of what the possibilities were. As a bit of added advice for people facing this situation, I highly recommend using your network to gather ideas and learn more about yourself. A lot of times your network can help you see a personality trait or a passion that you have that you haven’t noticed before that can send you off in a new and fulfilling direction.
Thanks for your insights Solomon.