One Terrific Management Team
Sometimes I hate what I do. Well, not all of it, but parts of it. Some of the things I have to do as a leader are quite difficult. This week I’ve been faced with having to tell my management team that The Salvation Army has instituted some drastic policies regarding finances and budgets in response to our current global recession. There will be no raises, no cost of living increases, a hiring freeze, no courses, no retreats, etc…. I have to say that I am so proud of their reaction and their dedication to ministry. They were ready and willing to do what they had to do to make a difference.
I’m sure the decision to implement this policy wasn’t easy for our organization’s national leaders. For many of our employees, that cost of living increase is very helpful and in hard times like this, badly needed. To have to make the decision to forego this much needed increase for our employees this year must have been agonizing. I know they didn’t make that decision lightly.
What can a leader do when faced with a situation that stretches us in this way. For organizations or businesses that employ a lot of people, the largest single expense line on the budget is salaries. It’s the easiest place to save money. However, what looks great on the budget translates into a real crisis for real people on the other end. Those employees that are affected have families, mortgages, car payments and mouths to feed.
This past month the Board of the Christian school our children go to had to make some hard choices. They were faced with a critical financial situation and in the end, some staff were laid off, one was a teacher with 8 years at the school. Between the principal and the school they had to choose who would stay and who would go. I’ve certainly been praying for them and the teachers who won’t be returning for another year.
Our community also suffered another blow when E-One Moli Energy laid off 220 employees at their battery manufacturing plant here in town. Some employees had been there up to 20 years. It was a very sad day for them. Unemployment in our community has risen this year and everyone is concerned for their jobs.
When financial times are tough and there are hard choices to make, there are some things you can do to make it through.
- Pray. Pray for wisdom, pray for guidance and pray for courage.
- Be completely honest with the people involved. Let your employees know that you’ve got some difficult choices to make.
- Involve your staff in problem solving. They are important stakeholders and you will often find them willing to make some sacrifices to save someone’s job. Give them a chance to step up to the plate.
- Be willing to make sacrifices for yourself as well – being a leader is more than being the boss. It’s also being an example in tough times.
When all options have been explored and every possible solution has been discussed, and you still find yourself faced with having to lay off your staff, there is only one way to handle it.
More prayer.
Openness and honesty.
Care and compassion.
How do you translate that into practical information? Well, if you are at that point and have to lay off someone from your business or organization, here are some things to consider:
- No matter how hard it is, be direct – but make sure you show the concern you feel.
- Check an employee’s file – you don’t want to lay them off on their birthday
- Do it on a Monday or Tuesday and definately not on a Friday – it’s terrible to let them stew over a weekend. Early in the week can let them start arranging EI benefits or visit an employment counsellor.
- The Golden Rule – treat them with respect
- They’re going to be hurting – remind them how helpful they were and affirm them as a valued employee.
- Keep the meeting private and have another manager with you when you deliver the news. I always ask my officer husband to be there as he has the more pastoral role in our ministry unit. When you’re the Executive Director, the employee can have strong feelings about you. Ed always offers to pray with the person before they go.
- If you can, try to offer a severance package. It goes a long way in the healing process for the person leaving. It shows them they’re valued.
- Talk to the rest of your staff right away – don’t let the laid off employee have to tell everyone what happened.
As leaders, it takes a concerted effort to do these things the best way we can. Every time I’ve had to let someone go from their job my voice has shaken with emotion. One time I outright cried and tears poured down my cheeks as I broke the news. It can be very difficult. But we should remember what His word says,
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
Much grace…. Kathie
