In the midst of a significant company transition, such as an acquisition, it is understandable that fear, uncertainty, and doubt arise. These sentiments become especially prevalent in the months leading up to the acquisition’s completion. With employees anxiously awaiting their fate and many facing potential redundancy, the atmosphere can be charged with apprehension.
This these tumultuous times, I decided to offer pro bono coaching to my company colleagues. My objective was simple – to create a safe space where individuals could navigate overwhelming scenarios dilemmas, acquire new perspectives, and ideally chart a clearer path forward.
In this reflection, I want to share a few coaching techniques that have proved invaluable for my coachees during this period of change.
1. Reframing a Situation
The tech layoffs in 2022 and 2023, which many people have very little control over, is a workplace trauma that must be dealt with. Even if an employee received an offer to stay or to help transition post-M&A, the psychological transition to accept change can take time. It could be 3 to 6 months, over a year, or even longer if not dealt with effectively.
Our fears and doubts stem from our perspective on a given situation. While many things are outside of employees’ control, by shifting viewpoints or ‘reframing’ the situation, we can see things in a new light. For instance, instead of viewing the acquisition as a disruptor, it can be seen as an opportunity for learning, refocusing, and potentially, new beginnings. The exercise of reframing was instrumental in helping many of my coachees see beyond the immediate uncertainty and broaden their perspectives.
2. Connecting with Core Values
Identity crisis is a real thing. The lines between who we are, what we do, and who we do it for can become increasingly blurry the longer one remains in a particular company or industry. The persona cultivated within a company/role can feel vulnerable during career shifts.
In times of change, it’s easy to feel lost or experience a sense of loss. By reconnecting with core values, often my clients discover a renewed sense of peace and purpose. In our coaching sessions, I encourage individuals to delve deep and identify what truly matters to them. By understanding their core values, they often see things more clearly, and make decisions in alignment with their own compass.
3. Shifting from Reactive to Creative Mode
Faced with career or life transitions, individuals often grapple with deeply ingrained fears and insecurities. Drawing from a developmental psychology perspective (Robert Kegan and Lisa Lahey), these reactions are more than just surface-level responses; they are manifestations of underlying belief systems that resist change. It’s as if calm waters turn murky when the sands at the bottom are agitated. Such ‘immunity to change’ can hinder one’s ability to see beyond the immediate challenges and explore new career avenues.
My role as a coach is to support my clients to recognize and confront these internal roadblocks so they can transition from a reactive stance, driven by fear and apprehension, to a proactive and creative approach. This developmental shift enables them to view layoffs or unfavorable outcomes as an opportunity for reinvention and growth. While embracing complex emotions, individuals can also find innovative solutions to challenges, aligning with their core values and long-term aspirations. In this transformative journey, changes become less about loss and more about rediscovery and future possibilities.
4. Creating Actions and Accountability
It’s one thing to have a vision or desire, but it’s another to act on it. During our sessions, once individuals have a clearer sense of direction, we focus on creating actionable steps. More importantly, I help my clients establish accountability. By setting clear goals and regularly checking in on progress, individuals feel a greater sense of purpose and motivation to move forward, even in the face of adversity.
While the acquisition brought with it a whirlwind of emotions and uncertainties, it also provided a unique opportunity for reflection, connection, and growth. Through coaching, not only am I able to support my colleagues, but I also gain a deeper appreciation for just how resourceful and creative we all are as humans. As we move forward, I remain hopeful that the lessons learned, and the bonds forged during this period will stand us in good stead for the future.
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