Duke Learning and Organization Development

Layoffs and Reductions-in-Force (RIFs) have been dominating headlines in a big way. If you haven’t been impacted directly, chances are you know someone who has. You might even be asking yourself the all-important question, “Could I be next?”  Not only does this create anxiety, but it also negatively impacts a person’s overall well-being.

Yet, despite the current job market, there is a silver lining. While it can be a traumatic, ego-crushing experience, a layoff or RIF isn’t necessarily a setback. In fact, if you handle it in the right way, it can lead to even better opportunities.

If you’ve been recently let go, it’s time to gain perspective so you can plan your next career move. Let’s look at some steps you can take to reinvent your career after a job separation and make the most of this uncertain time.

Take a pause. Whether it’s your first or your fifth, don’t underestimate the emotional toll of a layoff—especially if it took you by surprise. Once the initial shock wears off, take some time to process your feelings and what you gained from your work experience. Be prepared to slowly process a range of emotions from sadness to anger to possibly relief. This is also a critical moment to practice emotional and physical self-care. Take time to exercise or revisit hobbies you may have neglected for a while. Putting yourself in the right mindset will be important as you plan your career.

Reevaluate your values and priorities. Now that you find yourself with a clean slate, it’s time to hold on to what you value and let go of what you don’t. Ask yourself questions like:

• Do I want a similar position?
• Am I interested in working in the same industry?
• Is it time to finally pursue my passion?

Then make a list of your top ten values and post it somewhere you can see it every day. That way, you’ll be more likely to keep them in mind as you strategize your next move.

Stay productive while job hunting. Contrary to the old adage, job hunting should not be a full-time job. If you spend 40 or more hours a week looking for a job, you’ll go mad. Instead, create a schedule (i.e., dedicate three days each week to your job search or block off a few hours every day for those activities). The key is consistency. Think about what works best for you and settle into a daily routine. Also, make it a point to balance your job-hunting activities with other interests. For example, look for opportunities to volunteer, which is a great way to network while learning new skills and doing something good for the community.

Ask for help. Returning to the job market can be daunting, especially if you’ve been with the same company for a while. It’s also common for job search strategies to change over time. At this point, you may not know exactly how to build out your network on LinkedIn or optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems. That’s why outside experts can be helpful. Engaging with a coach or mentor will allow you to lean on someone with specialized resources and a fresh perspective.

Remain connected. For many people, their work buddies are a big part of their social life. Leaving the company can be isolating, but it doesn’t mean you need to leave friends behind. During times like these, friends and co-workers can be the best people to lean on. If they don’t reach out immediately, it may be because they’re not sure you want to hear from them. In that case, reach out to your network when you feel ready. These days, many people are even using platforms like LinkedIn to announce that they are looking for a new challenge.

A layoff or RIF doesn’t have to be the end of the world. You can even reemerge from it more resilient than before. Just look at it as a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block. That way, you’ll be in the right frame of mind to create opportunities for yourself that you never thought possible.

References:
Forbes (2023, February 22) Caroline Castrillon: How to Reinvent Your Career After a Layoff

When a team member shows signs of emotional strain, your first instinct may be to offer solutions. But jumping into fix-it mode can backfire. What they often need most isn’t advice—it’s presence. Real presence means fully engaging with the people around you, no matter how chaotic life becomes. When you embody this, you instill confidence—not only in your actions but in the relationships you nurture. It’s this ability to be fully present that fosters more meaningful connections, allowing those around you to feel supported.

To cultivate real presence in your professional life, you need practical tools to stay grounded and engaged. Simply wanting to be present isn’t enough; it takes intentional practices to clear mental clutter and sharpen focus.

Here are some proven tools to help you build more presence:

Start with your intention. Shift your mindset from solving to supporting. Let the other person know you’re here to listen without judgment or urgency. Your goal is to help them feel safe, not to offer answers.

Calm your nervous system. Your energy sets the tone. Slow your breathing, remove distractions, and ground yourself before the conversation. If you’re stressed or reactive, postpone the meeting.

Stay curious. Let go of assumptions. Ask open-ended questions to uncover what they’re really feeling. Don’t just listen for words—also pay attention to tone, body language, and pauses.

Use your body to listen. Eye contact, silence, and reflective phrases signal you’re fully present. Mirror their emotions subtly and resist the urge to minimize or relate the conversation back to yourself.

Close with reflection. After emotions settle, thank your team member for sharing with you and invite them to identify next steps. This reinforces their ability to self-regulate and problem-solve.

The power of presence is in your control. It’s not about perfection, but being intentional with your time, focus and attention. As leaders, it’s easy to get lost in endless tasks, but real leadership starts with how present you are for those around you.

Commit to being more present today. How will you show up—mentally and emotionally—for the people who matter most? That answer will define your impact as a leader.

References:
HBR (2025, May 19) Lisa Zigarmi and Stella Grizont: When the Best Leadership Skill is Just BeingPresent
Forbes (2024, October 2) Carlos Hoyos: Why Being Truly Present is the Most Overlooked Leadership Skill