Leadership in Action - Tough Going - Learning from Experience the Hard Way

Downsizing

Sometimes events conspire. No matter how hard and well some people have worked to develop their capacities as leaders and no matter how hard they have tried to meet the company's expectations and how loyal they have been, there are times when they fall victim to corporate downsizing. They lose their jobs through no fault of their own, but even knowing that does not diminish their sense of loss.

Because people often identify themselves with the work they do, there is first and foremost a loss of identity. This is compounded by losses of relationships, community, and security. As with other hardships, leaders who experience downsizing need an opportunity to work through their fear, insecurity, frustration, anger, sadness, and distrust. ...