60 seconds with Kevin Hardy
15 Nov 2017
What happens when the arse falls out of your work world and you get sacked or sidelined?
Let me start by saying it happens on a regular basis. We can all point to people where they have had to fall on their sword for the “greater good” or to take the heat off others. A reality to live with.
I know it hurts. I know you think it might not be fair. I know it is a public sacking or putting aside. I know others judge you without knowing the facts.
You know what? Those who get through it and come out the other side do a number of things:
- Suck it up
- Go away and reflect on what happened and what you have learnt about yourself. What you did not pay attention to. What you were too stubborn or proud to acknowledge
- Take time. Getting back in the saddle too quickly means that you are likely not to have learnt anything. You will still be bitter and twisted or angry
- Decide where you want to be in 12 months. I think the window of opportunity to get back into a leadership role at level is in the 6 -12 months period. After that it may be too long. Before that may be too soon
- Find people who can tell it to you like it is. This is not time to sugar coat. We need caring truthfulness to help us be ready to re-enter the fray
- Test the truth of what people say to you who present as advocates for you
- Don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself
- If you project a mature image, then people will judge you as being able to handle adversity
- Build your networks carefully and use them to know what is going on and who you can trust
- Know who will have the power to decide if you are ready for a return to a similar role if that is what you want
- Trust yourself most of all but do not delude yourself
- It can happen to any of us at any time depending on circumstances, timing and people
It happens to most of us at some point in our careers. Some times are worse than others but, it happens. Camelot does not last despite being an amazing ideal.
