Q: Twenty-five years of loyalty to Carrier and now my dad’s job is moving to Mexico. I don’t even know why I am sending this email, but I am ticked off!
A: Thank you for your email. Shocking news, ineptly delivered in the era of smart phones and YouTube. It appears from the video that the lead in to the announcement was: “This is strictly a business decision” followed by “I have information to share that is important to the transition.”
UGH! Business decisions are made by people and business decisions affect people, families and communities. You may not be able to affect Carrier’s decision, but perhaps you and your dad can learn and move on. Here are a few questions to ask your dad:
- What is the specific “transition” schedule for your dad’s job? Note—news reports indicate that the jobs will move to Monterrey over period of three years [by 2019] and that 300 people will continue to be employed in Indianapolis.
- Are you able to keep your emotions in check and listen with compassion to your dad? Note: A “shock” like is likely to elicit the stages of grieving: denial, anger, depression, bargaining and acceptance.
- What can your parents do to get their financial “house” in order? Budget?
- Does your dad have transferable skills? A hobby that can be a business? Skill training offered by the state? Note: Encourage your dad to be the first to take action.
Finally, what lessons can you learn from this experience to make you a better manager and
leader—and especially, communicator?