Same Layoff, Different Reaction

Happy Thursday!  Hope you’re having a great start to your summer. Here’s what you need to know in tech in under 2 minutes…

What tech leaders should be thinking about this week: How to react (and communicate) differently when big tech layoffs hit the headlines.  It was a tough start to the new fiscal year at Microsoft – the company announced a9,000 reduction in force yesterday morning.  While this news is obviously most difficult for those directly impacted, I think it’s also a great reminder for all of us in tech – we are hired to deliver impact against priorities set by senior leadership.  This transactional formula can actually create a better experience for everyone if leaders are up-front in how to navigate this way-of-life. Of course, empathy is foundational, but managers can be even more effective if they (1) reinforce the importance of prioritizing the right work(2) going big with creative solutions to win (3) saying what matters to influence stakeholders and (4) remembering life outside of the badge. I’ve learned that such reminders can go a long way to keep teams performing during uncertain times.

Why this is important:  Employees are looking for how to react during challenging corporate times. Leaders have a direct responsibility to set the tone, but it can be tricky – delivering devotion to the team and continuing to deliver organizational impact. Going beyond “This is really hard” to also include reminders of our deal (and how to think about success) can deliver both devotion and impact.  

Where you’ll see impact:  Tech leaders who take this approach will immediately experience:

-      Less hand-wringing and a quicker recovery from difficult organizational headlines

-      More conversations around what’s most important and in alignment with senior leadership priorities

-      Streamlined communication(s) to tell stories in ways that deliver the most results

-      More ownership around career / what’s next

-      Better balance with clearer priorities, more perspective and less “all-in” thinking

Value Add – Additional ways to show-up as a leader:  With news of the layoffs starting to spread across LinkedIn, are there ways you can help? Can you make a connection? Review a resume? Be available to brainstorm next steps? Carving out an hour or two during the summer months with 15-minute appointments via calendly can go a long way!  You’ll feel better too!

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Here’s to your Engaged Pursuit!