Episode Summary:
In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver tackles a heartfelt question about coping with employees leaving unexpectedly after a company merger. He offers practical advice on how to manage feelings of loss, reflect on the root causes of such departures, and take proactive steps to address cultural shifts in the workplace. Through humor and empathy, Mike reassures the listener that it’s okay to feel bad while encouraging constructive self-assessment and open communication with former employees.
Key Takeaways:
- Allow yourself to feel bad about unexpected changes, but set a time limit for processing those emotions.
- Conduct an inventory or survey of the workplace culture to understand factors contributing to employee unrest after a merger.
- Reach out to former employees to gain insight into what could have fostered better communication or eased the transition.
- Recognize that some departures may be beyond your control, stemming from broader cultural or structural changes.
Notable Quotes:
- “It feels terrible. You should feel terrible. But you’re not going to fall off the edge of the earth.”
- “Let yourself feel bad, but set the timer. You’re not required to be happy all the time—it’s ridiculous and impossible.”
- “Ask departing employees, ‘What could have happened so that you and I could have had a conversation, and it wouldn’t have been such a surprise?’”
- “Don’t sit in your office wringing your hands about what you could have done differently—just ask, and maybe it has nothing to do with you.”
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