go of their old mindsets – “ rank and file mentality ”, looking at the other side when subordinates do something wrong , inability to instill discipline , etc . The trick is to understand and fulfill the new obligations , but still respect subordinates as people with rights , feelings , dreams , aspirations , etc .
• Not asking for help . When you are new in the job , you need support from anybody . Don ’ t act as if you don ’ t need your boss ’ help . As you transition to a higher job , you will realize that the stakes get bigger . As the challenge escalates , you will need the support from above and below . Asking for help when you are new is not a sign of weakness . Just don ’ t do it every single day !
Loss of Job
One of the saddest points in an employee ’ s life is when he loses his job . If you think some are not prepared to assume a job , you ’ ll soon realize that many are not prepared to lose their jobs .
Here are a few pointers for working people whose transition is a job loss :
• It is just your job – not your life . Don ’ t feel too bad . It ’ s just your job that you lost . You still have a life . Realize that you are undergoing a cycle , a process . You have to understand and be ready to go through the process and get out of it alive .
• Ask your boss to explain . This is one time when you can turn the table around – ask your boss to explain . You need to know the reason for losing your job . In the Labor Code , there are only two valid causes for you to lose your job . One is a just cause , attributable to what you have done wrong . The other is an authorized cause , which allows the company to terminate your services due to economic reasons .
• Understand the process . For termination of employment , there is need for due process – notice and hearing . Where the cause is authorized , you could get compensated for losing your job . Consult your HR manager or somebody you can trust . Unless the due process is completed , you usually don ’ t get notified that it is your last day at work – you usually get a month ’ s notice . Elsewhere , you get “ Trumped ” when you hear , “ You ’ re fired !”
• Cut the BS . When you talk to your boss or HR manager , go direct to the point . Ask for the reason , the due process , the date when termination takes effect , and compensation , if any . Don ’ t be defensive or apologetic . Unless you are being asked to explain , don ’ t argue . Disabuse your mind of issues like “ fairness ”, “ justice ”, or five hungry mouths to feed . It might be too late for this , as they must have made up their mind . Remain calm and don ’ t display any emotion . ( That will keep them guessing what you ’ re up to . He he he !)
• Ask if you can see them again . You might need to talk to your boss or HR manager again , especially if you have questions on the severance pay . Study all documents you are given and consult somebody knowledgeable on terminations .
Uncomfortable Situation
Job loss is definitely not an easy thing to take . A terminated employee usually goes through a few stages of uncomfortable situations :
• Denial . When one is told that he is fired , he often chooses not to hear or believe it at first . When you are at this stage , just stay calm . Don ’ t react violently . Process what you are hearing . Ask for water , an explanation , or a friend or co-employee to be with you if it makes you less uncomfortable .
• Anger . When it sinks in , you ’ ll realize you ’ ve really lost your job . Your instinct could be to get angry . Realize that the person talking to you might not be the maker of the decision to fire you . Don ’ t vent your anger on him . Who knows , but you could be partly to blame ?
• Depression . This type of emotion is a strong signal that you need professional help . Don ’ t do anything that you will regret later . You are in a difficult stage but if you handle this properly , you can be better than before .
• Hysteria . Sometimes , you could become hysterical . Allow your boss or your friend to calm you down – or else the security guard will . Listen to what they are saying . Once you let out what ’ s on your chest , you ’ d be able to breathe and think better . One hysterical moment is enough . Compose yourself again and plan your next moves .
Transitions are a rite of passage . If you pass , you ’ re better off . It ’ s not personal – it just happens , even to the best of them , especially when the global economy is down .
What is the difference between recession and depression ? Someone said , “ When your neighbors lose their jobs , there is a recession . When you lose yours , there is depression .” �
January I PEOPLE MANAGER 15