Just Middle Manager Next Great Leader

The Situation of the Layoffs and Cutbacks Archetype: Each archetype is told there are going to be layoffs and cutbacks within the organization without being told who. Each archetype might naturally have the following impulsive response based upon their archetype: Innocent: “This can’t last forever. We can get through this. Before we know it, we will be on the other side and wonder why we thought it was so tough.” Orphan: “We need to band together and form a coalition. We have to make sure we protect our turf so they go after another department. I knew this would happen if we didn’t protect ourselves. Let’s make sure we don’t get blindsided by something here.” Warrior: “Maybe I can redirect my department to cut back. I can get them to do some extra work, stay longer, and work harder. I won’t let the organization down, and I’ll find a way to save these jobs.” Caregiver: “What can we do to help out? I know they don’t want to hurt anyone. Maybe we can find a way to just help each other out. And if someone is cut, maybe we can all find a way to help that person out during the tough times. We can go over to their home and support them through this rough patch.” Seeker: “This gives us a great chance to find a new way to do business. Let’s not look at the old ways of doing things here and try to save what is obviously not working. Maybe we can find a way out of this no one else has seen before.” Lover: “I don’t like the idea of breaking up the team. We have been through so much. This team will find a way to pull everyone through it all. We all mean so much to each other and to lose one is to damage us all.” Destroyer: “Let’s see who is not pulling their weight around here and let them go first. And if there is a department, project, or system that needs to go, let it go. We are too fat, and it is time for us to cut some of the dead weight.” Creator: “Don’t just look at the problem. Let’s open our eyes and try to see some vision we haven’t seen before. Maybe we can create a new product or new service that will enable us to solve the current crisis. The solution is only a step away if we get creative.” Ruler: “The systems simply need to be followed. We created the current dilemma with our rules, policies, and procedures, and we simply have to revise them to get us out of it. If someone isn’t fitting into the system, let’s find out why, and that may have to determine which department or staff member needs to go.” Magician: “This is a great chance for us to reinvent ourselves. We have potential here to become something even greater. If someone get’s laid off, let’s assign them a coordinator that will help them discover something new they can be good at to become even stronger.” Sage: “Think through what we have here. We went through cutbacks twenty years ago, and we survived. We need to make sure our intellectual resources are saved foremost. We need to make sure those who hold the information and knowledge are kept from harm.” Jester: “Oh well. We can always find jobs with the competitor. Or, we could go out and get drunk and just wait to see what will happen. Let’s have a company party to relieve the stress. Maybe we could all get together after work for drinks and put our heads together.”