Not only do those of us who are employed have a responsibility to those of us who have been laid-off, managers also have a responsibility to help those that they manage cope with unpredictable times in the workplace:
First, remember that leading means treating employees as responsible adults, and not as wayward children who can be bossed around or mollified with half-truths. Study after study has shown that organizations work better when the people within them are knowledgeable and empowered, and when they are asked to contribute and show initiative.
Along with treating employees like adults comes the need for managers to be straightforward about bad news. If employees hear vaguely through the grapevine that layoffs are ahead, for example, they are likely to spend their days in a cloud of worry about impending doom, just when it is crucial for them to be their most productive. In my own workplaces, this behavior has ended only when managers have offered up more information.
Stay out of the bunker has more tips for managers.
March 26th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
I read a report that only 1 in 20 people are suited for taking a managerial role. I’m not sure whether that’s a fact of humanity or some kind of un-learned behavior.
March 26th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
That’s an interesting point. I wonder what qualities were described for ideal managers.