Here's how you can navigate discussing a layoff with colleagues and friends.

The difficulty of change is about loss just as much as it is about the change itself. Ronald Heifetz talks about this in his concept of adaptive leadership. When people experience change, they may find themselves (consciously or subconsciously) trying to manage not only the logistics but also a lost sense of control, identity, stability, autonomy, connection, and more. In making space for others to name and process their emotions, stay curious and support them in making a connection to what all feels like it is at risk, is lost, and is unknown. Without taking responsibility for their feelings, anyone can provide meaningful support simply by listening and understanding the challenging emotions that come from a challenging experience.

We often think that layoffs are associated with negative issues or disagreements, but this is not always true. A layoff can also be related to restructuring, the end of a cycle, or financial matters. The best way to approach this topic is with clarity, and I'll define it in three points: 1. Give advance notice that this possibility exists, allowing your employee to prepare for the situation. 2. Explain the reasons behind the consideration of this decision. 3. Once the decision is made, communicate the next steps and ensure that everything necessary is provided for the person to be prepared for their next adventure.

When you first talk about layoffs, it's essential to understand that this news might stir up various feelings in your colleagues and friends. Acknowledge their emotions with an open heart and without judgment. Show genuine empathy by genuinely listening and affirming what they are feeling. This creates a comforting environment where honest conversation is possible and can help reduce some of the stress around the topic. Remember, you're not there to solve everything but to provide support and understanding.

Al enfrentarme al delicado tema de los despidos, mi enfoque siempre es el de la empatía y la comprensión. Reconocer y validar las emociones sin juicio es fundamental para crear un ambiente de apoyo. Mi intención no es resolver la situación, sino ofrecer un oído atento y un hombro en el que apoyarse. Este enfoque fomenta la confianza y el diálogo abierto, elementos clave para navegar juntos por momentos de incertidumbre laboral.

O momento de uma demissão requer muita empatia e firmeza, medir o equilíbrio, pois muitas das vezes a demissão é algo inesperado, isso no primeiro momento desestabiliza o emocional da pessoa a ser demitida.

It's essential to be straightforward when discussing layoffs. Please just share the situation honestly while respecting any necessary confidentiality. If you need more clarification on all the details, it's perfectly okay to say so. By steering clear of guesses and focusing on transparent communication, you can help stop rumours and ease worries. Your honesty matters a lot right now—it can strengthen trust, especially during these uncertain times.

Cuando se trata de hablar de despidos, siempre me esfuerzo por ser lo más transparente posible. La honestidad es fundamental, y aunque a veces no tenga todas las respuestas, creo que es mejor admitirlo que dar lugar a especulaciones. Mantener la confidencialidad es crucial, pero también lo es proporcionar información clara y precisa para evitar malentendidos y rumores que solo aumentan la ansiedad. Mi objetivo es ser un punto de confianza y referencia para mis colegas, sabiendo que la honestidad y la claridad son apreciadas y necesarias en momentos de incertidumbre.

Top 5 things I would NOT do: 🫵 Play the blame game: Focus on facts, not finger-pointing 🔑 Beat around the bush: Honesty is key, so keep it real 😑 Ignore emotions: Everyone has them, it's part of being human 🙊 Spread false rumors: Stick to the facts to avoid unnecessary stress 💬 Promise certainty: It's okay not to have all the answers, don't push and overpromise Navigating layoffs is tough. Remember that people want honesty, empathy, and space to be human to process things.

É de direito e dever informar a justificativa da demissão, isto serve para aprender e como lição caso o motivo seja o comportamento.

Once the initial shock has passed, it'soffering your support is vital. This might involve helping update their resumes, practising for interviews together, or just being there to lend a listening ear. Personalizing your support is essential based on what each person needs—what helps one individual may not be suitable for another. By being there for your colleagues and friends in meaningful ways, you can assist them in finding their path forward and reassure them that they're not facing this alone.

Mi compromiso tras abordar la realidad de los despidos es ofrecer un apoyo adaptado y personalizado a mis colegas y amigos. Entiendo que cada persona enfrenta estos desafíos de manera diferente y requiere distintos tipos de ayuda. Mi enfoque es ser un recurso valioso y un aliado en su proceso, ayudándoles a prepararse para el futuro y recordándoles que no están solos. La solidaridad y el apoyo son fundamentales para superar los momentos difíciles y abrirse camino hacia nuevas oportunidades.

Navigating a layoff discussion about a colleague requires emotional intelligence and maintaining boundaries. When a colleague was laid off, I approached the conversation with care. I shared the news factually, saying, "I wanted to let you know that our colleague has been laid off. It's a difficult time for them, but let's focus on how we can support them moving forward." By keeping the discussion straightforward and avoiding emotional overload, I ensured the conversation was respectful and supportive while maintaining appropriate boundaries. This approach helps manage the emotional weight of the situation while offering necessary support.

While offering support to others is essential, it’s equally vital to remember your emotional well-being. Caring for yourself allows you to help within your means without stretching too thin. Establishing healthy boundaries can keep you grounded and more capable of genuinely assisting others, preventing the weight of their emotions from overwhelming you.

Entiendo la importancia de ser comprensivo y estar disponible para aquellos que necesitan apoyo, especialmente en tiempos difíciles. Sin embargo, también soy consciente de que mantener límites saludables es crucial para mi propio bienestar emocional. Ofrezco ayuda en la medida de mis capacidades, pero me aseguro de no comprometerme más allá de lo que puedo manejar. Establecer estos límites me permite mantenerme emocionalmente equilibrado y ser más eficaz al brindar apoyo. Me cuida de no sentirme abrumado por las emociones de los demás, lo que a su vez me permite estar presente y disponible para aquellos que cuentan conmigo. En última instancia, cuidar de mí mismo es esencial para poder cuidar de los demás.

Real talk: People don't always want positivity forced upon them when they're grappling with shock, sadness, or anger. It can feel dismissive. 🔑 Instead, the key is meeting them where they are, giving space, and offering genuine support. There's nothing more tone-deaf than trying to impose optimism in the midst of pain and uncertainty. 😵💫 It sends a signal to others that they have to move through their grieving process at a different pace. Instead, prioritize empathy and support over forcing false positivity.

A positive mindset isn't about always and only feeling positive things. It's about acknowledging what is good or positive even when things are hard, discouraging, or sad. When experiencing layoffs, it is important to see what is still possible. You can't rush through the hard emotions—everyone needs their own timeline for processing a challenging circumstance. *And* it's smart to start seeing what's possible from the new reality. Not creating silver linings, not minimizing the difficulty, not "well, at least"-ing people. Hold space for both positive and challenging perspectives at the same time. And as soon as you can (even if it comes in fits and starts), look for possibilities. Look for next steps. Look for small bits of progress.

When discussing layoffs, it's essential to approach the topic with compassion and understanding. Encourage your colleagues and friends to view this challenging time as a chance for personal growth and new beginnings. While we must recognize their hardships, gently guiding their attention towards future possibilities can inspire hope. Share heartfelt stories of individuals who have successfully overcome similar situations or explore exciting new paths together that they might consider pursuing. Let's support them and help them find light in these challenging times.

Cuando hablo de despidos, siempre intento mantener una perspectiva positiva. Es mi objetivo animar a mis colegas y amigos a ver estos momentos no solo como un fin, sino como una oportunidad para el crecimiento personal y profesional. Aunque es crucial reconocer y validar las dificultades que conlleva un despido, creo que dirigir la conversación hacia el futuro puede sembrar esperanza. Compartir historias de resiliencia y éxito tras despidos anteriores, o discutir nuevas trayectorias y posibilidades, puede abrir la mente a un mundo de oportunidades. Al final, cada final es un nuevo comienzo, y con la actitud correcta y el apoyo adecuado, los despidos pueden convertirse en el primer paso hacia una aventura emocionante y enriquecedora.

A layoff can be a good opportunity to reflect and plan ahead. It offers a chance to step back and evaluate your career path, identifying what has worked well and what hasn't. This allows you to reassess your skills, interests, and long-term goals, helping you to align your future career moves with your true passions and strengths. It also provides the time to upskill or reskill, and enhance your employability in a competitive job market. By networking and exploring new industries or roles, you can uncover opportunities that you might not have considered before. Use this time to serve as a catalyst for personal and professional growth, leading to a more fulfilling and strategically planned career trajectory.

You can encourage open dialogue by asking for feedback about how the situation and your handling of the layoff discussions might be improved. This shows humility and a willingness to learn and helps you understand different perspectives and needs that may take time to be apparent. I'd appreciate it if you could give me some insight into how your approach is perceived and offer suggestions for handling similar situations in the future more effectively. This fosters a supportive environment, promoting a sense of shared resilience and collective problem-solving.