Layoffs are horrible, but leaders can soften the blow

Layoffs are horrible, but leaders can soften the blow | practice (split each time) | New model of DEI training highlights belonging, dignity Created for {EMAIL} | [{NAME}]( at [{NAME}]( [For more relevant content - Update Your Profile]( | [Web Version]( February 7, 2024 CONNECT WITH SMARTBRIEF  [LinkedIn]( [Facebook]( [X]( [SmartBrief on Leadership]( Innovative Ideas. Ahead of the Curve. [SIGN UP]( ⋅ [SHARE](  [] Leading the Way [] [Layoffs are horrible, but leaders can soften the blow]( [Layoffs are horrible, but leaders can soften the blow]( (geopaul/Getty Images) When layoffs happen, many former employees are flocking to social media to air their grievances, but Mita Mallick, the head of DEI at Carta, says leaders can avoid public shaming by holding in-person, respectful conversations with employees being let go, expressing gratitude for their work and following up with them a few weeks later. "If you reach out and they don't respond, give them the space and time they may need. Let them make the choice whether to stay in touch or not," Mallick advises. Full Story: [Fast Company (tiered subscription model)]( (2/5), [Entrepreneur]( (2/6) [LinkedIn]( [X]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] Put it into practice: If a former employee reaches out to you for advice on improving their resume or requesting a LinkedIn recommendation, help if possible, and if you can't, [at least respond and wish them well](, Mallick recommends. "Don't let a poor layoff experience end up defining how an employee feels about their experience working for you and the company." [LinkedIn]( [X]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [Create products that resonate with your customers]( Our research says you aren't developing products that your customers love, even though you think you might be. In 5 minutes, determine your instant benchmark to find out how you compare to your industry leaders. [Learn More.]( ADVERTISEMENT: [] SmartBrief on Leadership [] [New model of DEI training highlights belonging, dignity]( [New model of DEI training highlights belonging, dignity]( (PeopleImages/Getty Images) While widespread, diversity, equity and inclusion training does not have the desired effect, according to Gallup research published in the Harvard Business Review. However, a new model of DEI training focuses on dignity and belonging, which Jackson Nickerson, an emeritus business professor and now adjunct at Washington University in St. Louis, explains in this blog post. Full Story: [SmartBrief/Leadership]( (2/6) [LinkedIn]( [X]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] Put it into practice: Create a shared organizational identity so all people feel like they belong and generate more interest and empathy. [Try prevention framing](, to eliminate dignity violations and foster a corporate identity and self-esteem. Especially in meetings, avoid language that "blames, attacks identity, is excessively directive or lacks appreciation," Nickerson writes, such as 'Why would you do that?' and 'should be.'" [SmartBrief | Brand Survey] [Have you visited the new SmartBrief website yet?] [Yes]( [No]( ADVERTISEMENT   [] Smarter Communication [] [Hate a decision from above? Tips for telling your team]( Having to communicate -- and stand behind -- a decision from your boss that you disagree with is "one of the most challenging things you'll have to do as a leader," writes Ron Carucci, co-founder of Navalent. Carucci offers six tips that can make it easier, including venting first to a friend or coach to keep emotions in check and seeking a better perspective on the reasoning. Full Story: [Harvard Business Review (tiered subscription model)]( (2/5) [LinkedIn]( [X]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] Put it into practice: Explain without defending. [Resist the urge to side with your team](; instead, be empathetic and validating, Carruci writes. Help them cope with disappointment by encouraging them to see the bigger picture.   Free eBooks and Resources Free eBooks and resources brought to you by our sponsors - [How Technology Can help You Get a Good Night's Sleep]( - [Digital Minimalism: Tricks to Simplify Your Digital Life]( - [Ten Traits Of Successful People]( - [Inc.'s Productivity Super Book: A Definitive Consolidation of 25 Perspectives to Guide Your Future Success]( - [The Future of AI in Technology]( [] Smarter A.I. 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Send your ex to the scrap heap]( [Dreading Valentine's? Send your ex to the scrap heap]( (Pixabay) If you've recently ended a relationship and are not looking forward to Valentine's Day, a British car scrapping company may have just the 'car-tharsis' you want. Scrap Car Comparison invites folks to submit their ex's name, which will be painted on a car before it's sent to the scrap heap (and photographic evidence of the deed will be provided). Full Story: [United Press International]( (2/5) [LinkedIn]( [X]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] SmartBrief Podcast Network [] [LinkedIn]( [X]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] SmartBreak: Question of the Day [] As noted in a diary entry published in a biography of writer Hunter S. Thompson, which cigarette might have been his favorite? [Vote]( [Benson & Hedges]( [Vote]( [Camel]( [Vote]( [Dunhill]( [Vote]( [Marlboro]( [] About The Editor [] Candace Chellew Candace Chellew Chellew My post yesterday on [the research on how music gets our bodies moving](, whether or not we're great dancers, got a few of you tapping on your keyboards. Pam F. says songs by Earth, Wind, and Fire (especially "September" and "Shining Star") get her up and dancing. "It's impossible to stay still, and that 3.5 minutes of movement not only feel good physically but mentally too!" she notes. For Marilyn D., Justin Timberlake's "Can't Stop the Feeling" brings rhythm to her feet. Jim C. says he and his wife like both kinds of music -- country and western! Music brought them together at the local VFW, and after eight years of marriage, they're still dancing together -- everything from the two-step, waltz, swing and a little cha-cha. "I think most of dancing is having a good sense of rhythm, and then it's just learning the particular moves for each type. Gotta feel it in your soul, and your feet will follow!" Jim writes. That's good advice for the rhythmically challenged among us (like myself). Thanks to everyone who shared their favorite dance tunes. If this newsletter helps you, please tell your colleagues, friends or anyone who can benefit. Forward them this email, or [send this link](. What topics do you see in your daily work that I should know about? Do you have praise? Criticism? [Drop me a note](mailto:candace.chellew@futurenet.com). And don't forget to send me photos of your pets, your office and where you spend your time off. [LinkedIn]( [X]( [Facebook]( [Email]( Sharing SmartBrief on Leadership with your network keeps the quality of content high and these newsletters free. Help Spread the Word [SHARE]( Or copy and share your personalized link: smartbrief.com/leadership/?referrerId=japnABMSAp [] [] Don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them. [Madam C. J. Walker](, entrepreneur, philanthropist, activist February is Black History Month [LinkedIn]( [X]( [Facebook]( [Email](   SmartBrief publishes more than 200 free industry newsletters - [Browse our portfolio]( [Sign Up]( | [Update Profile]( | [Advertise with SmartBrief]( [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy policy]( CONTACT US: [FEEDBACK](mailto:leadership@smartbrief.com) | [ADVERTISE](mailto:lengel@smartbrief.com) [SmartBrief Future]( Copyright © 2024 SmartBrief. All Rights Reserved. A division of Future US LLC Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY, 10036.