Intro to the Top Ten Tips...

Each month, Tim posts his 'Top Ten Tips' for HR practitioners on various subjects. This month's subject is 'Downsizing aftermath...how to keep the survivors focused for the future'. A list of subjects for forthcoming months and links to previous subjects can be found at the bottom of this page.

Reinforce the reasons why the business changes were made. If the underlying reasons are too easily forgotten, employees will not remember why the angst & sacrifice was undertaken in the first place and "same old, same old" will creep in again;

Enshrine the way forward in a clearly articulated, simple 'vision' for the future;

Look for small victories in the early days. Celebrate them and communicate them widely;

Set out the new behaviours required. Give examples of expected behaviour and, conversely, unacceptable behaviours;

Ensure the Leadership exemplify the new attitudes and behaviours;

When necessary, dismiss someone who has repeatedly decided to stay "offside", despite all urging and help to the contrary;

Ensure the HR "scaffolding" is in place to build the new organizational approaches for the future. Old programs and policies must reflect the "new" way of looking at the customer, the competition and the business;

Create milestone objectives against which to measure progress. Communicate these widely and regularly;

Make the Leadership accountable for success. Lay out the expectations clearly so it is obvious to all when appropriate results are being achieved;

Remove obstacles and impediments to success. Create urgency and the "need for now". Eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy; thank & reward employees who see better, faster ways of doing the company's business.

Timetable 2000/2001 ... Top Ten Tips

Month	Subject
December 2001	HR work habits for 2002. The need for reform
November 2001	Downsizing aftermath...how to keep the survivors focused for the future
October 2001	How to plan strategically for downsizing, maintaining HR's credibility and employee loyalty
September 2001	Collective Bargaining...now you have the deal, how do you make it work?
August 2001	Managing Consulting Costs...how to keep hold of the reins and avoid surprises
July 2001	Expatriate Career Assignments...how to manage the risk and improve the odds of a 'win/win' for employee and employer
June 2001	Part Two of 'Browsers' Choices'... some tips on how to migrate successfully from 'A' to 'B' in a prudent, yet urgent, manner
May 2001	Part One of 'Browsers' Choices'... a summary of the 'new & old world' of HR business
April 2001	Managing promises and expectations during the "R" word
March 2001	'High Potential' Employees...how to ensure they don't sit out the game, then leave
February 2001	How to write really useful Job Descriptions...connecting the business dots
January 2001	Outsourcing...the 'Catch 22' for HR Managers
December	Spreading scarce bonus/incentive dollars...best bang for the buck
November	Ethical Practices in Performance Appraisal & Related Salary Admin
October	Stock Option Plan Design in private companies heading for an 'IPO'
September	Key Lessons in 'Downsizing'...maintaining business & employee relationships under difficult circumstances
August	Grievance management in unionized and non-unionized workplaces
July	Business Planning in HR...how to flex HR's muscle
June	Settling post-termination disputes; mutual gains
May	360° Feedback...is it right for you?
April	Harassment in the Workplace...practical considerations
March	Interpersonal Conflict in the Workplace