Osayi Emokpae Lasisi: Dear Employee, Here are 3 Ways to Prepare For a Downsizing in Your Organization

I remember those days when our parents would tell us that we needed to be engineers, or doctors, or lawyers, and that we needed to work in this industry or that industry because our success would be guaranteed.

The older I get, the more I realize that our parents were trying to prepare us for a future that they thought would look just like their present circumstances.

It’s something that I’ve noticed myself doing a lot as I grow older – I keep trying to force people to behave like they did in the past, or to make decisions like they did in the past. But life doesn’t work like that… the only thing that stays the same is nothing. Nothing stays the same.

Lately in the news I hear about downsizing, and how terrible it can be for those who experience it. But what gets me the most about it is that many people hear the news and just say thank God it’s not me. It’s almost as if they never expect it to happen to them.

Now I’m not saying that you should believe you’re next and be so afraid that you’re unable to do your work, or live a healthy life. What I’m saying is be prepared. When you see the signs of things going on, be prepared.

There are a few ways you can prepare

Know that it’s not about you
Whatever happens, whether you get downsized or not, it’s not about you. It’s not because you’re better or worse than anyone else. Try not to take it personally.

Create, maintain, resurrect relationships
We all know that we are more willing to help people that we know and like; so why not become the kind of person that other people would like to be around. People are the key to your success.

Start a business
Figure out what you enjoy doing and you are skilled at doing that people would be willing to pay you for. Then package it so well that people are eager to patronize you.

What are your thoughts? What other tips would you include?

Photo Credit: Bevan Goldswain | Dreamstime