Archive for December, 2009
December 27th, 2009 | 
Author: When change is imposed (as in downsizing scenarios), clearly the most important determinant of “getting through the swamp”, is the ability of leadership to…well, lead. The literature on the subject indicates that the nature of the change is secondary to the perceptions that employees have regarding the ability, competence, and credibility of senior and middle management. Read the rest of this entry »
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We would not be understating the case if we said that orienting employees to their workplaces and their jobs is one of the most neglected functions in government. Countless horror stories exist about how a new employee has received a ten minute talk with the manager, and directed to his or her office position, with no further guidance or instruction. Not only is this exceedingly stressful for the employee, but it virtually guarantees a very long period of unproductiveness for the employee. Read the rest of this entry »
Downsizing…Right-sizing, lay-offs or workforce adjustment, whatever the current “correct” terminology, the fact remains that it is the most difficult thing that managers will deal with in their careers.
There are two (only two?!) issues regarding downsizing. First, the period of downsizing brings with it incredible anxiety for everyone. Both managers and employees have to “get through” this period where downsizing is announced and individuals are notified. While this is the period of greatest short term stress, it is an acute situation. Read the rest of this entry »