Monday brought the inevitable. My husband, Stephen was laid off from the company whom he has served for 12 years. Did it come as a shock to us? No it did not. There are no surprises in difficult economic climates such as the current one and his former employer is well known for frequent and random layoffs, so no, it was not a shock.
A lay-off is a major life event which brings with it many complex layers of reactions, thoughts and emotions for not just the person to whom it happened, but also to the person to whom he is married. Today I share my experience with you.
This piece is called ‘Leave Like a Leader’ because that is what Stephen did. In the midst of the news he handled himself like the leader he is known to be. The decision for termination was delivered to him by his boss and the VP of Human Resources. Once they were done, what was the first thing that Stephen said? It was “Thank you”. “Thank you for explaining the situation to me and thank you for 12 great years with this company”. Next, he asked if he could go back up to break the news to his team so that he could thank them and say good bye. At first the answer was ‘no’ but then his boss decided that it would be okay and went with him. So, Stephen gathered his people and shared the news along with an explanation of the business rationale behind his termination. Stephen did this to calm their fears as they would surely worry that they could be next. This was not only a kind gesture that Stephen offered to them, but it was also excellent service to the company, because people do not perform well when they are scared for themselves and angry for a boss whom they respect. Yes, Stephen continued to think of what’s best for the company; the company who had decided that they no longer require his contribution.
Leadership is about who you are therefore dictates what you do and say. Stephen is a leader because he does what is right, even when others do not.
My husband is at home right now, happy and excited about the new opportunities that are now open to him. He is buzzing with energy as he looks forward to the next phase of his career. I love it when he gets like this because he channels his energy into all sorts of productive projects, including household chores! He has promised me that he will be around for the summer to catch up on some projects that we have been meaning to get to and I am thrilled to have him around. I laugh as we discuss these projects because the news that he is back on the market is out and the phone is already ringing off the hook from his connections all over the world who want to meet with him. Is this excellent reputation all because Stephen is a nice guy? No, it is because he is a proven, reliable leader who is always an asset to his company and his people.
May 15th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Corry, that is a wonderful post. Your husband sounds like an inspiring leader, and I hope his ex-company realizes the loss they have just suffered. I know he will bounce back higher this time around; people like Stephen do not stay unemployed for long. Onward and upward!
May 15th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Mu husband experienced the same loss 2 years ago after 28 years of service. The last year of his career with that company was spent laying of pieces of his team one by one and sometimes group by group until finally he himself was told to go. Unlike your husband, he, like most people laid off or fired did go through a mourning process. I don’t know many who leave like a leader but I can say this: My husband left like a man and remained courageous and hopeful throughout the process of finding new employment that matched him. Job loss created gain in health, family relationships, morale (that took some time!) and most of all in personal growth and development.
Good things happen from bad. We’re proof.
Best of luck to you and your husband during this time of transition!
May 15th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Dear Shari,
Thanks for taking the time to read my post and reply to it. Layoffs are taking place all around us and you are right, good comes from bad.
May 15th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Hey Mady,
Thanks for your comment! I’m glad that you like my post. I agree with you that the company has lost more than we have. Corry
May 15th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Hello Corry,
That is a nice tribute to your husband Stephen and I think he deserves every word. We know that he is a great husband and father and that greatness went with him to work. This setback will ulitmately be his gain and his ex-company’s loss.
May 15th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
thanks mum! xox
May 15th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
This message is for Shari
I can feel your husban’s pain. My husband was laid off from a major company and a major position after more than 40 YEARS!
This is nothing new. Don’t blame the recession.
My husband, like yours, was hurt beyond belief, almost like a death in the family. Like yours, he was always a man with dignity.
Bravo to all these brave men
May 16th, 2009 at 6:53 am
Hi Cory,
What an inspiring story.Thank you for sharing it. I think all of us have someone close, if not ourselves, who are going through similar situations and could benefit from your story. I will pass it on.
Thanks so much,
Lianne
May 16th, 2009 at 9:05 am
Hi Lianne, Thank you for your comment. It is true that our experience is shared among so many wonderful people who deserve the best. You know what? We do have the best……the best of family, the best of friends, the best that this moment has to offer. Sometimes llife gives us wonderful gifts that come with very ugly packaging. When we see the gift as it truly is, then we know in the core of our beings how blessed we are. Corry
May 16th, 2009 at 11:28 am
We have always known what a great son Stephen was and what a great daughter-in-law we had and this has just proved what a great team they are.
May 18th, 2009 at 6:53 am
Corry,
This is a testimony to your and Stephen’s take on life and what you can offer those around you. It is so true that things happen for a reason. As you know the same happened to me after 17 years with Bombardier. If that event did not take place, I would not be doing what I am today and we would never of met. I applaud you both for your positive attitude and know that in the end great and new challenges will be forthcoming.
May 18th, 2009 at 7:07 am
Hi Richard,
Thank you for your comment. You are indeed living proof that good things can come from what can seem to be a setback. CR
May 20th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Hello Corry,
I was inspired by your writings about your husband and his true character as a leader… in work and in life… he stayed true to what he stands for. He and you make a strong team.
Continuing success to you both!
Pat
May 20th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Thank you, Pat!
June 1st, 2009 at 5:25 pm
Dear Corry,
Wish I had read your article about 30 years earlier- what I told my boss after being fired then is not fit for print. However, I later recognized the error of my ways and learned from it. The main lesson being that you only hurt yourself by being less than professional, in any situation. I also learned that worrying about job security serves no purpose. Do your best, and if it doesn’t work out, other opportunities will come your way. Being let go, as you point out, should never come as a surprise. Stephen handled the situation like the true leader and gentleman that he is, and made the best of a difficult situation- thanks for a great article.
All the best,
Bob
June 1st, 2009 at 11:06 pm
Hi Corry
Just catching up on your website and blog in the wee hours of the morning. Great reading until I came to this story. So sorry to hear this news. I can just imagine Stephen leaving the way he did. I know Stephen won’t have time to catch his breath before a new adventure starts.
Stuart has been trying to get in touch with Stephen for a few weeks. This explains a lot.
Jenn
June 2nd, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Hi there! Thanks for reading and commenting in the wee hours of the morning! Stephen is doing well and really enjoying this time. I gave him the message that Stewart is trying to call so you should be hearing from us soon! CR
June 2nd, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Hi Bob! Your wisdom is shining through! Its not when we learn, its what we learn, right? CR
June 9th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Kudos to Stephen for being so classy. Anna says there is a market for tool sharpening and ice cream trucks in our area, does he want to start up with Sander?
Suzanne