Navigating Uncertainty, Layoffs, and Landing Your Dream Job

Uncertain seasons often bring some of the most challenging moments in organizational leadership, especially when they involve staffing. Whether due to economic strain or shifting ministry priorities, leaders may face the painful decision to lay off staff. At the same time, team members may sense it’s time for a transition, even if it wasn’t their choice.

In a recent conversation with Slingshot Group, leadership coach Jena Dunay pointed to the “unrealistic pressure leaders feel to meet every employee’s needs.” While you may not be able to meet every need, you can lead with integrity, compassion, and clarity while guiding your team forward even through disruption.

Leading Layoffs with Compassion and Clarity

Layoffs affect more than just the person leaving—they impact the entire team. How you lead through them shapes your culture long after the moment has passed.

What matters most:

• Show empathy and honor employee contributions. Deliver the message personally and privately.
• Communicate clearly and honestly. Don’t bury the reality; explain the financial or organizational reasons with appropriate transparency and grace.
• Support the transition. Offer a reference, help connect them to networks, and provide resources when possible.
• Care for those who remain. Acknowledge team-wide grief. Recast vision and reaffirm your commitment to them.

Clarity without compassion feels cold. Compassion without clarity feels confusing. Leaders must hold both.” — Jena Dunay, Slingshot Group

Why This Matters for the Kingdom

Staff transitions are never easy, but they can be holy. Sometimes, a departure clears space for someone else to lead, and sometimes, it launches someone into their true calling.

By leading with clarity and care, your organization can become a place where people are developed, honored, and sent, not just kept. And that’s a win for everyone.

Interested in learning more about navigating these conversations with wisdom and grace? Catch Tim Foot’s conversation with Jena Dunay on the Slingshot Group Podcast.