Your business brand is critical – it’s about how you’re perceived and what you want to say. If you want people to love your brand, then you need to keep them onside and treat them with respect. Many have invested time and their careers in your business, although they are slowly recognising that change is inevitable. How you interact with colleagues over the next few months will influence their future success. Treat them with courtesy, give them support to find another role and they’ll remain your brand ambassadors.

Be authentic and raise the bar. Try not to be distracted and lured into indifference. It’s time for innovation, authenticity and listening. Sometimes that’s listening for the silent messages that say, “I’m not OK”. And if you’re not ready for the conversation, they’re not either. For sure, these are challenging times – many of us are rewriting the guide.

I admire businesses who recognise it’s all about “give and take”. I applaud the ones which encourage their managers to make business-driven and objective resourcing decisions, then support their people who are leaving. It’s a tough jobs market, although how you engage and interact with your audience and how you communicate may determine their future success.

I’m urging you to listen to them, be kind and respect their feelings, even when time pressures try to get in the way. And if you’re unable to support them all as individuals, encourage them to seek out networks of colleagues and share good ideas. Let’s chat about how I can help you help them.

There will always be disappointing stories in the news. Not all messages will be well-received or even anticipated. Colleagues and clients, family members and friends may be anxious or finding it difficult to adjust to this rapidly changing business landscape. They’ll appreciate reassurance that they have much to offer, that their skills are transferable and self-marketing is key. Then, when it’s time to engage with new contacts and tell their story, they’ll find it easier to focus on their strengths (rather than the disappointments). This is about small positive steps.

You may be reading this as a business leader or as an individual (or both) – either way you may be a little uncertain about your priorities right now. I am ready to be your coach, are you ready to take the next step? Why not get in touch so that we can discuss how I can help?