You’ll Find a New Job in No Time!
The following is my recent contribution to a column titled, “Working”, appearing regularly in the Houston Chronicle business section.

”When someone you know has lost a job, it's important to be empathetic but not overly sympathetic. In other words, a pity party is not the best way to help the person through this time. Rather it's a time for a friend, neighbor, family member to listen closely for what the person needs at this time with understanding. Venting is a normal part of coping with the loss, so it's fine to listen, but listening needs to be constructive. The listener's role is to help the person process the events and to focus on the future. This is a great way to show support and concern.

Asking how one might help the person is important as well; however, if the individual is unfocused or just not in a listening mood, it would be better to wait until the person is receptive to suggestions. Offering to help with making networking connections, offering to circulate a resume or making introductions is a great way to show your concern and demonstrate your support. There's nothing worse than saying all the "right" things and then not following through. People in this situation need to trust their friends or former co-workers even more at the time of a job loss because the relationship of trust with the former employer has been broken, and people often feel deceived and someone to place their trust in.

Also, it's important to avoid using all the old bromides such as...I know how you're feeling, you'll find a new job in no time. If you've been through a job loss in the past, let the person know that you've been there before and share some constructive suggestions that worked for you. Acknowledge the person's distress, and offer paths of success.

To see Business Columnist, Wooty Sixel’s entire column published in the Houston Chronicle on 1-1-09, please click on this link:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/sixel/6190205.html





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