Rushed decisions about people can devastate a business—eroding trust, crushing morale, and tarnishing your reputation in ways that are hard to repair.
When leaders act hastily, they send a clear message about how little they value their greatest asset: their people.
Recently, I supported a senior employee who faced an appalling situation. While still in her role, her employer had begun advertising her position, appointing a recruiter to confidentially find her replacement.
Worse still, the recruiter contacted her about the “exciting new role” and openly criticized the current role holder—unaware they were speaking to the very person they were replacing.
The impact? Profound.
🚨On the employee: Humiliated, undervalued, and understandably disengaged. The company ultimately settled for a generous financial package to mitigate further fallout.
🚨On the team: Morale plummeted as trust in leadership eroded. Remaining employees questioned their own security and the ethics of the organisation.
🚨On the business reputation: Word travels fast. Actions like these send a clear message to future talent and stakeholders about how people are treated—and it’s not a positive one.
Acting in haste often leads to repentance. Taking time to address concerns with transparency, respect, and fairness is not just the right thing to do—it’s critical for protecting your business and its people.
People are your greatest asset. Treat them as such, even when navigating difficult decisions.
When leaders act hastily, they send a clear message about how little they value their greatest asset: their people.
Recently, I supported a senior employee who faced an appalling situation. While still in her role, her employer had begun advertising her position, appointing a recruiter to confidentially find her replacement.
Worse still, the recruiter contacted her about the “exciting new role” and openly criticized the current role holder—unaware they were speaking to the very person they were replacing.
The impact? Profound.
🚨On the employee: Humiliated, undervalued, and understandably disengaged. The company ultimately settled for a generous financial package to mitigate further fallout.
🚨On the team: Morale plummeted as trust in leadership eroded. Remaining employees questioned their own security and the ethics of the organisation.
🚨On the business reputation: Word travels fast. Actions like these send a clear message to future talent and stakeholders about how people are treated—and it’s not a positive one.
Acting in haste often leads to repentance. Taking time to address concerns with transparency, respect, and fairness is not just the right thing to do—it’s critical for protecting your business and its people.
People are your greatest asset. Treat them as such, even when navigating difficult decisions.