When Who Moves my Cheese Becomes Who Ate my Cheese.
What do you do when you find out that your role has been made redundant or you are being retrenched?
How do you ensure that you keep your professional and personal brand intact? Here are some tips:
The meeting
You might be called to a meeting with your boss and someone from HR to tell you that your role has been made redundant or you are being retrenched. They are likely to talk you through the rationale for any changes, and what it means for you. The latter will, without a doubt, be the bit that you want them to get to as soon as possible. However it's important that you listen as carefully as you can to what they are saying.
Try and do this, despite the fact that, by now, adrenaline is probably coursing through your veins making you want to either punch someone in the eye, or storm out with a dramatic door slam.
There are a number of scenarios that may be put in front of you during this meeting, ranging from the option to do a smaller or different role, to there being no role at all for you. You may be offered time to find another role, or you may be given immediate notice. A number of factors will contribute to what options are available.
It's really important at this point that you are not reactive. It is completely normal to have a reaction, but being reactive is a completely different thing.
For example, you may be offered a smaller role as an alternative to leaving the company. While the message is "we want you to stay, but we currently only have smaller roles available", you may well hear "We only think you are capable of doing a smaller role." It's completely natural for you to feel upset and angry at this news, but it always makes sense to pause, and ask for time to consider your options. A big reactive statement such as "There is no way I am taking a smaller role." may not serve you, unless you are independently wealthy, or have a very big retrenchment package available to you.
Whatever the news, make sure you try and ask questions and take notes to make sure you have understood the message correctly. You might also be in shock so it's perfectly acceptable to ask for a further meeting once you've allowed yourself time for the news to sink in.
At the end of the meeting, thank the bearer of the news politely, and leave the meeting. Remember that while it might feel very personal, it rarely is.
After the meeting
When a company restructures, there will be a number of 'actors in the play'. They range from those who are also impacted, to those who aren't. The latter are likely to feel either relieved, guilty, or both. This may result in them avoiding you. While you could choose to take this personally, their behaviour is usually because they simply don't know what to say. Choose not to take this personally. Rather than leaping to judgement, deposit it in your bank of life lessons. Tell yourself that when the shoe is on the other foot in the future, you will behave differently, because you will know how it feels.
There may also be people who want the 'inside story' so that they can then repeat a more dramatic version to their fifty closest friends. Avoid them like the plague. You may already know them as the office gossip but there may be others who, sadly, will be more than willing to be the bearer of other peoples' news. These will be the individuals who approach you with a question such as 'Are you ok?' but their facial expression is reminiscent of a long term dieter about to eat a large burger and chips. Trust your instincts and do not confide in them.
You will need someone to talk to. A close friend, your partner, or a mentor outside of the company are good options. These people will have your best interests at heart so you will have a safe place to vent, question, and explore options. Most companies also offer a free and confidential employee assistance program. Even if you don't feel like using this service straight away, don't dismiss it altogether. It might be something you want to come back to.
Talking about and re-litigating the situation at work is never a good plan. Unless you want to portray yourself as a victim and make others feel uncomfortable. You may think it makes sense to spend time with others who have also been impacted by the restructure. This is ok, providing the conversation is supportive and forward-looking, and doesn't turn into an episode of 'Fifty reasons I hate this company.' Remember it's likely you will shortly be looking for another job, so it's important that you are in the best and most positive frame of mind you can be. So it won't serve you well to spend a significant amount of time surrounded by people who may unintentionally pull you down. You may not have had a say in what has happened with your role, but you absolutely have a say in how manage your remaining time at the company.
If you genuinely feel that you cannot manage your emotions through this time of change, then negotiating a quick exit might be the best option for you.
Your last days at work
Whether you are a leader or an individual contributor, you are still being paid to do your job until you hand back your access pass and walk out the door. Ask yourself. "How do I want to be remembered by this company? Do I want to be remembered as an absolute professional? Or do I want others to see me as a victim, and be secretly counting down the days until I leave?"
Graciously accept a farewell event if one is planned for you. Use this time to reflect on the opportunities and growth that you have had at this company. Be gracious. Hopefully it goes without saying that revenge spending on the company corporate card and toxic final 'out of office' emails are not ok. While you may not need a reference from this company specifically, it would be naive to believe that one may not be given anyway. It is a small world.
The job hunt
Utilise every single resource available to you as part of any outplacement program you may be offered. They are there to help you prepare for new employment. This is particularly helpful if you have been with one employer for a long time. Revitalise your look, your skill set, whatever you need to do to make yourself the best possible candidate for the job you want. See this whole experience as an opportunity, because that is exactly what it is.
Don’t forget about the Employee Assistance Program. Most companies provide access to one. It’s completely free and a valuable, confidential and independent place to talk to someone.
Some people rush headlong into applying for another job after they have been made redundant. This is often driven by financial reasons which is perfectly understandable. It is also ok to do this if you are feeling positive and energised. But if you are not, and you don't take some time out to re-group, you make take even longer to find a role. If this happens both your finances and your professional brand may suffer.
I have interviewed many candidates over the years where the negative energy they felt towards their previous employer was almost palpable. It is very off-putting. Take as much time as you can, to read, prepare and ensure you are in the best possible frame of mind to bring positivity, energy and passion to your job interview. In fact.....and this is worth reiterating. Never, ever, speak ill of your previous employer. Don't even hint at it. Under any circumstances. If you do, all you will be doing is raising big red flags about you as an employee.
You are in charge of your career. You cannot outsource it to someone else.
You may not have always handled situations in the past they way you would have liked. What really matters is what you do from now on. That way, the next time your cheese gets eaten........and there WILL be a next time, you will be far better equipped to find an ever better piece of cheese!
