Your layoff didn’t happen for a reason

We've all heard the saying, "everything happens for a reason." Frankly, that's bullshit. What does happen for a reason is your reaction to the challenges life throws your way.

Layoffs have become increasingly prevalent in our industry, with recent announcements from Wayfair, Macy’s, and numerous other companies. It is claimed that losing your job is one of the top 10 most stressful life events—an undeniable truth.

Until the late 1970s, mass layoffs were rare and seen as a "sign of failure and a violation of acceptable business behavior." The shift towards embracing layoffs as a means to greater profitability began in the 1980s, spearheaded by figures like Jack Welch.

While Welch's ideas were influential in my career, my approach has always been to uplift and develop rather than succumb to layoffs. Creating conditions where everyone contributes to each other's success is my mantra.

I align with Welch in that the bottom shouldn't remain the bottom for long. However, my perspective is that those at the bottom can move up or over and still be valuable team members. Leadership should provide direct feedback, foster development, and individuals must leverage this communication for positive growth. It's a relationship—requiring action from both parties.

So, if your layoff didn't happen for a reason, what now?

Make it something you can say, "it happened for a reason" in the coming months and years.

How do you do that?

Acknowledge and embrace the layoff, both in your mind and heart. Only then can you find solutions to make things happen for yourself. You won't confidently say the layoff happened for a reason until you take charge of your own destiny.

But, you might say, that's easier said than done.

Actually, it's not. I've experienced three different layoffs in my three and a half decades in the business. After the first two, I ended up in better positions. Age 30, Regional Director laid off—became Director of Stores and Vice President of Stores. Age 38, budget cut—led stores internationally. I'm confident that, in the coming months and years, the third layoff will have happened for a reason. Stay tuned...

It's undoubtedly easier said than done, but anything worth anything won't be easy.

So, what now? My confidence is shaken, and I'm doubting my capabilities.

You're no less today than you were a few weeks or months ago. You've been laid off by another human being. That's it. It's someone's opinion of what's best for the business, whether it be performance or budgetary. Don't let another person's opinion define yours. People value humble, yet confident individuals—both to hire and follow.

How do I exhibit and protect humility and confidence after being laid off?

Humility comes from learning. What can you learn and pass forward from this experience, even if you feel the layoff was unjust? When you accept and express this learning internally and externally, people will be drawn to you.

Confidence comes from respecting duality. You're not a loser if you lost, just as you're not a winner if you win. You simply lost in that moment. See your layoff as a loss today, but, based on your learnings and actions, view it as a win in the months and years to come.

What advice do you have for getting back on the horse?

As you embark on the journey of securing your next job, focus on presenting facts during interviews. The peril that often follows a layoff is the inclination to adopt a salesperson's role, attempting to sell yourself to recruiters, HR leaders, and hiring managers. However, the key is not to sell but to be yourself.

When responding to interview questions, stick to facts rather than delving into hypothetical scenarios. It's impossible to predict precisely how one will act in the future. If, like me, your career has been built on tangible actions rather than mere words, attempting to sell yourself can be challenging. Forecasting the future involves selling, and when you've thrived based on your past deeds, selling might seem unnatural.

Confidently discuss what you have accomplished, supported by names, dates, locations, and times. Paint a vivid picture for hiring managers, allowing them to have faith in your capabilities. Remember, your past actions speak louder than speculative promises about the future.

This approach ensures an authentic representation of your abilities, providing a solid foundation for potential employers to assess your suitability for the role. By showcasing your proven track record, you instill confidence and credibility, distinguishing yourself from those who rely solely on verbal assurances.

If you find this advice helpful, please share, and stay tuned for more insights on navigating the professional landscape. Additionally, sign up for updates on "The Retail Leaders Roadmap," launching on March 12th, and be ready for the upcoming "Retail Wellwisher: Growth Unleashed" podcast.