Ruthless workforce reductions are destroying careers and critical initiatives; it’s time for compassionate leadership, writes management consultant Mike Lisagor. I have been moved to tears as treasured former technology business associates and their children have seen their dream jobs heartlessly disappear without recourse or severance.
Unfortunately, these short-sighted workforce reductions are already negatively re-shaping the future of critical agency technology initiatives as well as countless individuals and families. Regardless of external pressures, an agency or contractor leader’s role should be to ensure that organizational changes are made with dignity and respect. This is not optional; it is a moral imperative.
In his 1991 Harvard speech, Buddhist scholar, Daisaku Ikeda emphasized the importance of “soft power” over “hard power,” highlighting the need for compassion and empathy in leadership.
When employees feel valued and respected, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated, resulting in higher levels of productivity and innovation. This, in turn, benefits the organization as a whole, creating a positive feedback loop that drives success. However, if executives neglect their key advisors’ expertise and experience, even their politically motivated passion projects are destined to end up in the mile-high trash heap of previous misguided and misinformed government initiatives.
The humane treatment of employees is also essential for fostering a culture of trust and loyalty. In this current era when job security has become a precious commodity, employee well-being is crucial to retaining top talent and building a strong cohesive workforce. This is particularly important in the information technology sector where skilled professionals are in high demand and competition for talent is fierce.
By prioritizing the well-being of the workforce, organizations are better equipped to navigate the challenges of the future. I implore leaders to commit to making decisions that reflect our shared humanity and pave the way for a brighter future. We all know of the negative impacts of poor decisions being blindly followed.
If agency and corporate executives don’t have the courage to reverse this momentum, history (as well as karma) will surely find them lacking. Of this I’m certain.
Mike Lisagor is a former industry executive and management consultant as well as an avid writer, musician and punster. Read his many books for free and watch his music videos at BooksByMike.org. Mike is hiding with his patient wife of 55+ years on an island in the Pacific Northwest. He can be reached with positive comments only a michaellisagor@gmail.com.
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