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mik3yyesterday at 11:04 PM2 repliesview on HN

Layoff announcements are this kinda tricky class of corporate comms where you need to speak to at least 3 different constituents, with 3 different messages, which are often in conflict.

It's something like:

(A) To the public (e.g. prospects, customers, investors): "This is a good thing and we're going to be an even better bet!"

(B) To the remaining team: "This is tough and I feel your pain and will do better."

(C) To the laid off: "It's not you, it's me, thank you and good luck."

It's hard if not impossible to handle all three of these authentically, concisely, and in the same message. Which is why you can almost immediately find something not to like..


Replies

joramstoday at 6:01 AM

There's really only a conflict between A and the rest, and that's because A is a lie. It's not a good thing, if it were they wouldn't have to say B and C.

They can try to do better and be hopeful, but they also fucked up big time. It's not like the public actually believes the lie, so stop telling it.

jimt1234today at 12:09 AM

And all 3 messages have to be delivered within very strict legal guidelines, because someone's always gonna sue.

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