Although the economy is showing signs of imminent improvements (according to some sources), I continue to hear from AEC industry folks about more downsizing at their firms. Because many of these companies have had one (or more!) round of layoffs in the past nine months, they have already eliminated the ‘fat’. Now they’re down to the most talented, dedicated, hard-to-replace people. I have not been at the table with any of these firms when they decided their criteria for ‘valuable player’ versus ‘not-quite-as-valuable’, but suffice to say, I’ve been very surprised by some of the professionals that have been asked to move on.
That said, regardless of who you let go, and at what level, it is imperative that you do so with respect, compassion, and professionalism. DOWNSIZING: THE MARKETING PROFESSIONAL’S ROLE –an article that has been picked up in numerous industry and professional service publications in these last couple of months–gives advice to business developers and firm leaders in terms of how they can best help those that have just been downsized through the process.
I hope the suggestions within the article will help those readers that still predict more firm downsizing. At this juncture, these are tough—even excruciating—decisions. I invite you to send your own firm’s criteria to determine the ‘right’ composition of people to be let go versus retained. Your notes will remain confidential if requested.
