By Markey Read

As we wrap-up the 20th Century we are also leaving behind the massive and frequent downsizing of the past two decades. We are not entirely done with large downsizing efforts, especially within large national or international organizations. And publicly held and traded companies will always be at the mercy of the stockholders.

More and more small and medium-sized companies, however, are making significant staffing adjustments by moving a few people and/or redefining a few roles. These changes often result in the displacement of a few people. These same organizations, however, find themselves seeking differently qualified people to suit the newly defined needs.

So one person’s seeming loss is another person’s seeming gain. This is a very natural and balanced approach to developing a business. It is as natural as the human body inhaling and exhaling. Business owners and managers need to make and implement these kinds of staffing decisions quickly in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven market place or suffocate.

In my experience as an Outplacement Consultant, I have yet to meet anyone who was wrongly exhaled. Usually the individual was already thinking of leaving because the work was boring, too demanding, or headed in a less desired direction; or the nature of the department changed; or it just felt like time to move on.

If you find yourself being part of the exhalation process recognize that you are being handed a gift. First, you probably wanted to leave anyway, and second now you are free to find a more appropriate match. Besides, there are several organizations that are inhaling your particular mix of skills and experience and it is only a matter of time before they inhale you.

Two of the most helpful tools a manager can provide the exhaled staff member are networking leads and Outplacement Assistance. Both will dramatically increase the odds of finding appropriate employment more quickly.
Nothing opens doors faster than personal referrals. Receiving two or three good networking contacts will get an individual further in today’s market than 50 responses to classified job listings.

Combine those contacts, with your own network and the sound coaching of an Outplacement Consultant and you will quickly be on the road to more fulfilling and appropriate employment.

If you want more information about how Outplacement Services can support the natural exhalation and inhalation of staff, please call Markey Read to discuss it further.