We recently connected with Tracy Shroyer and have shared our conversation below.
Tracy , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
That is the best position to be in as it gives someone the opportunity to provide a diverse perspective. This might be from a cultural or educational background, or just experience in general. It’s so helpful to see that each of our perspectives bring something unique to the table, and keeping that it mind helps me realize that my thoughts and contributions can make a difference.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Over 10 years ago, my dissertation research was focused on layoffs from a manager’s perspective, and just over 5 years ago, I wrote a book on the topic. In October of 2023, I was laid off after 27 years at the same company, and everything came full circle for me. I tell people that Alanis Morissette’s song, “Ironic” from the ’90s keeps playing in my head. During most of this time, I had been building up my career coaching business on the side while working full-time. After some coaching, and what I’ll call therapy too (shout out to Dr. Lee), I realized the brand I wanted to give birth to was “Let’s Talk About Layoffs.” There is too much shame and embarrassment among all involved in this organizational change process, and I didn’t care for it. I also wanted to make sure people are aware that layoffs should be a last resort and not a first response. It’s frustrating to see the sheer number of people that layoffs are currently impacting.
In December of 2023, I launched the “Let’s Talk About Layoffs” brand, with a website, podcast, blog, and FaceBook group/community, along with 4 free guides:
- For executives to realize alternatives to layoffs exist;
- For managers told to lay off employees, but feeling a bit uncomfortable about it;
- For employees staying in the organization after a layoff; and
- For individuals that have been laid off and working through the anxiety and stress that goes with that).
In addition, I’ve launched The Career Compass Collective, a career coaching agency that provides paid resume writing, LinkedIn support, coaching, and more, to individuals seeking career development support. In the coming months, I anticipate bringing in a few career coaches to be part of the collective and am so excited about being able to help so many that desire the support!
In the “Let’s Talk About Layoffs” FaceBook group/community, I offer free monthly Career Chats where we talk about a specific topic (e.g., December was building relationships on LinkedIn; January is goal planning; etc.). In February, I am launching paid workshops to take a deeper dive into specific topics (e.g., February 18, 2024 is a DIY Resume Workshop).
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three skills or qualities I see the most need for are transparency, empathy, and courage.
When I think about transparency, it’s primarily from the perspective of organizational leaders, being open with their employees. Providing clear and consistent communication, involving employees in decision-making (where it makes sense), being honest and living with integrity, as well as providing a regular feedback mechanism are ways to provide greater transparency. Working in an organization should not feel like being a contestant on Survivor – let’s get rid of the #blindside moments.
Empathy is another quality that is important, as it brings about a more human connection between people. It also contributes to better communication, conflict resolution, and overall teamwork, all of which are essential for success. Something that I found in my dissertation research just over 10 years ago was that leaders were empathetic with their people when it came to layoffs. It’s disappointing to hear of stories about layoffs and organizational change in the news today, as empathy seems to be something that has fallen to the wayside in so many cases – even in CEO discussions of layoffs.
Lastly, I would include courage. Courage is about speaking up, taking initiative, challenging the status quo, providing constructive criticism, resilience, and so much more. I worry there are sometimes too many ‘yes’ people in the world, and not enough that are courageous enough to talk about what’s really going on and work towards a change for the better. Or even being open to discussion about what that could look like.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes! There are a couple areas in which I’m looking to collaborate or partner with others.
First, I’d love to get the word out about the “Let’s Talk About Layoffs” platform, including the “Let’s Talk About Layoffs – Navigating Careers & More” FaceBook group. This may be in having me as a guest speaker for an event, in their group or summit, or on a podcast.
Second, I would like to have individuals that have been impacted by layoffs, directly or indirectly (executives, managers, leaders, individuals, HR professionals, service providers supporting areas that laid off individuals need to know about, etc.) to be a guest on my podcast. Here is the guest request form: https://upskillu.kartra.com/page/podcast-ltal for those interested.
Lastly, if there are organizations that are looking to support their employees with career development workshops, coaching, etc., I’d be happy to talk more about what that could look like.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tracyshroyerphd.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkaboutlayoffs
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyshroyerphd
Image Credits
Heather Moran
