Necessary Evils ……Recession Etiquette, Part II

Conducting layoffs is a highly emotional experience for both the recipient and deliverer of the news. It is timely that Harvard and Brandis University teamed together to conduct research about this very topic. They refer to layoffs as a “necessary evil,” because it is a “work-related task that requires a person to cause physical, emotional, or material harm to another human being in order to advance a perceived greater good.”

The goal of this research was to determine how a layoff can be managed in a way that is clear yet respectful; a perfect connection to etiquette, protocol and diplomacy. The interesting slant on the research was that the focus was on the deliverer of the message.

Here is a synopsis of what they found:

• Most managers delivering the layoff news had an intense mix of emotions: sympathy, sadness, guilt, shame, anxiety, and even anger at times.

• Many of the managers remained psychologically engaged during the process despite research conducted earlier that suggested that managers would distance themselves in order to reduce their own pain.

• Overall the managers customized their approach to reflect the specific challenges of the situation or the needs of the victim.

The best practice advice from the researchers is to know yourself and your limitations. Know and understand in advance your emotional triggers and how to deal with them. All these factors will have an impact on your conduct during the layoff. Keep your message clear and respectful. Here are some strategies that might be helpful to consider:

• Work in pairs or teams if possible

• Allow ample time for the layoff meeting and consider additional time for debriefing

• Prepare the right environment – a place that is quiet and private

All things considered, there are risks involved in the process. Planning a strategy in advance will be extremely helpful to you. Consider these guidelines in your process:

• Completely prepare yourself for the meeting and review every angle and detail

• Work towards a balance of compassion and directness; anticipate the possibility of a hostile outburst and plan a suitable response

• Consider your own well-being. The most experienced professional can not be immune to emotions; reflect on your responses and keep the goal in mind.

If you have any comments or questions about recession etiquette, please contact me directly.

Joan R. Stokely (jrs@thesocietyofdiplomacy.com) is the President of The Society of Diplomacy, Inc., a protocol and etiquette consulting firm. We offer extraordinary training programs for corporate professionals who desire greater success in their careers. Increase your knowledge of business protocol and etiquette, your corporate image, international intelligence and social skills by attending programs specifically designed for you.

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