Comments on: How Not to Tell Some One They Dont Have a Job

By: Ian

Ian — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:00:09 +0000

I found this rather amusing approach to telling 50% of the work force that they dont have a job – one can only assume it is a joke.

A fire alarm rang at 4 pm in a large office campus when almost all employees were present ( approx 5,000 people ).
As per past fire-drill practices, the entire office was quickly evacuated within 3 minutes, and all employees gathered outside the complex in designated areas waiting for further announcement.
Before long, the fire drill officer in-charge made the following broadcast over their loud-speakers system :
” My dear colleagues : With sincere regret, I have been asked to announce that for many of you, this will be your last evacuation drill with us. Due to the on-going recession and bad business climate, the company is laying off almost 50% of its staff. So when this announcement finishes, I ask all of you to move back into the building. And if your swipe-card does not work, then it means that you have been laid off, in which case you will not be allowed inside, and all your personal belongings will be couriered to you by tomorrow.
The company is using this innovative, never-before approach as we do not want to choke our email system with lay-off notices and farewell messages going by the thousands, and we also wish to avoid any fighting inside the office and the consequent security issues for all staff.
We hope you have had a rewarding career with us. Now please move back in… and good luck ! “

By: Stephen Sharry

Stephen Sharry — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:53:52 +0000

Simon….the manager you talk about is probably one of the better managers who at least explained the new structure although in a group situation it was not ideal. Many organisations today do not want to deal with the emotional issues and simply advise staff of their retrenchment and march them to the door under supervision.

By: Alain Fontaine

Alain Fontaine — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:44:31 +0000

Hi,

If “managers” need this kind of lecturing, they’re at the wrong place to start with. “Managing” people is just about that – and, as you say, not about hiding behind powerpoints and E-mails.

The image of the manager is second role, at best. Who cares about the image of a manager, except himself? Not the employees, and not the business. The employees just want a clear and if possible, fair situation. The business wants results. Both are sometimes not achievable at the same time. But who, in the end, cares about the manager’s image, if not himself? Then again, a manager who cares about his image, is not a good manager. If he cares about his image he would be better off being a Hollywood star or a Wrestler.

There’s one question, and it refers to the Simon Baker “Beer test”. Would you, as a manager, be able to tell an employee he’s lost his job in such a way that you could still go out and have a beer with him? If yes, you’ve done your job right.