Today, we conclude our three-part mini-series on the mechanics of the stealth layoff. We have now discussed the first two parts of the stealth layoff: establishing the record and informing the associate. The final piece is negotiating for voluntary leave and is, in many ways, the most interesting aspect to the stealth layoff: it explains [...]
Archive for the ‘Layoffs’ Category
The mechanics of the stealth layoff: negotiating for voluntary leave (Part 3)
Posted in Layoffs on April 4, 2010 | 1 Comment »
The mechanics of the stealth layoff: informing the associate (Part 2)
Posted in Layoffs on March 31, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
Today, we continue our discussion of the mechanics of the stealth layoff. After the partnership has established a firm, iron-clad written record of the associate’s poor performance, it is prepared to move forward in informing the associate of the impending layoff. Depending on the situation, a firm will sometimes attempt to “wean” the associate from [...]
The mechanics of the stealth layoff: establishing the record (Part 1)
Posted in Layoffs on March 29, 2010 | 10 Comments »
I have received numerous requests to write about the stealth layoff, a topic that is by its nature a secret. The question is, if a stealth layoff is by definition disguised and “stealthy,” how does one go about writing about this topic? I set out to interview associates who have left their firms to determine [...]
The relationship between competency and layoffs / firings
Posted in Layoffs on November 6, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
I’d like to go back to an issue that I touched upon in an earlier post but didn’t address fully: the relationship between competency and firings. It’s a well-known fact that there are more associates fired from their jobs (asked to leave, asked to resign, forced out the door — whatever you want to call [...]
Stealth layoffs: why they happen
Posted in Layoffs on November 4, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Stealth layoffs are like sudden disappearances: one minute, your colleague in the adjoining office is there, like every other day, and the next minute, POOF!, he’s gone. Vanished. Disappeared. Firms use stealth layoffs for a variety of reasons. First, they are used to counter associate morale problems. Job security is important, and firms know that [...]
“It’s the economy, stupid!”
Posted in Layoffs on November 2, 2009 | 3 Comments »
Associates huddle behind closed doors, in someone’s office, or at a secret lunch location that partners don’t frequent. The air is heavy with worry and fear. They’ve noticed that there have been a large number of departures lately, e-mails from other associates with subject headers such as “Farewell!” and “my contact info” and “Thanks for [...]
