New vice-president hired
They fired her director
Then they came for her
When I saw Jen, she had been let go. For five years she had worked hard to build new programs for her organization. Her director had been supportive, and all was well. But then the leadership changed, and her projects became targets. First her boss, then her. She was devastated.
It felt like all was lost. She couldn’t see a way forward. The pain was so deep.
… and then there was the mortgage and her kids’ college tuition …
She shared with me her loss, her pain and her fears. Little by little, she began to tell me stories about things that mattered to her. Projects she created, things that went well, people she cared about. Listening to her stories in depth, probing for strengths and themes, it started to have an impact.
As Jen became clear about who she was and what her strengths were, a transformation began. She was able to reclaim her identity as a professional that transcended her ‘role.’ She realized that she was so much more than the position she lost.
Finding her strengths
Rising from ruins of layoff
Rekindled vision
She stayed away from groups and events. The thought of attending ‘networking events’ left her feeling cold and dry.
Empowered with original stories to tell, Jen began meeting with her colleagues one by one. Her focus was to build relationships and find a way through. What surprised her was how receptive people were. They were willing to meet and listen to her stories. Every meeting she had built her confidence; people were interested in what she had to say. She was inspiring. They shared information about their contacts and made introductions.
The process took time, there were ups and downs, and not every meeting went well. Yet she persevered. There was magic in her stories. She kept meeting people. Listening to their needs and telling stories about how she could help. Potential opportunities began to arise.
Yes, she had a resume. Yes, her LinkedIn profile was updated. Yes, she monitored job boards. But this is not where the action happened.
Key people she met with made introductions to people with the power to make hiring decisions. She met with them; she heard their problems. They liked her stories. In the same week, she had three offers. After extensive negotiations, she made her choice.
With an added touch
Creative and elegant
Her career blooms again
A true story written by Rob Straby.
