If your company is undergoing downsizing now and so many people are being laid off, pushed out or given retirement packages, it is stressful indeed. How can you weather the storm, keep your staff (and yourself) motivated, even when you know you could be next? 

Managing yourself in times of uncertainty and dramatic change

Focus on bringing your highest and best self forward. Be the kind of leader, manager, and colleague that you’ll be proud of, no matter what happens. If you failed to do so, that's when you'll have regrets and keep looking back. 

Avoid negative environment (i.e gossips, backstabbing) and focus on your work instead. Broadcast your skils and perform your work to best of your ability. Don't speak words or do any actions that you'll regret in future. Find a way for you to be at service so you will be remembered for your resilience, dedication and positive attitude.

Inspiring others 

Be as open and honest as you can when motivating others and manage your emotion. Don't let fear or anxiety controls you. Have regular meetings with your staff so they could share their opinions, concerns and any difficulties that they are facing. Set really strong boundaries around how you will hear, and address, these concerns. It also would be a great time to create a strategy that your team could use. 

Being downsized is a strong possibility for you?

If being downsized is a strong possibility for you, stop and conduct a deep, intensive evaluation now of what you really want. Identify the role you ideally want to play in the workforce. Then do something about it. 

Engage now (don’t wait) in the key steps of planning for your next chapter and/or looking for a new job or role, including:

1) upgrading your resume

2) building your awesome support network

3) reaching out to wonderful colleagues and peers to get reconnected and share your visions for the future

"In the end, 90% of your success in your professional life is how you view yourself deep down – as a person, a contributive professional, a leader, a change agent, and an integral part of a team that is making a difference. If you struggle to feel any of those things, you’ll struggle to create a career and work experience that fulfills and supports you."

 

Source: Forbes