In Shakespeare’s Anthony And Cleopatra, said famous woman says “Give to a gracious message an host of tongues, but let ill tidings tell themselves when they be felt.” I.e., when you have good news you can go round the houses, but if you have bad news – like sending an all-hands email to the staff at EA to let them know that, less than a year after the last round of layoffs, a further 5% of them are getting booted – then you should just come out and say it as quickly and simply as possible.
This is, apparently, not a sentiment ever internalised by Andrew Wilson, EA’s CEO. Yesterday, when he announced to everyone at EA that a bunch of them were losing their jobs (again), he first spent three paragraphs talking about how EA is doing great, leading the industry, getting increasing engagement from fans, optimising their global footprint and sunsetting games oh yep, there it is, that’s the “you’re about to be unemployed” language right there. The company is moving away from “the development of future licensed IP” and toward “our owned IP, sports, and massive online communities”. Therefore: 670 ish devs (by Eurogamer’s count) must go.
Abel Glover
It’s always interesting to see how different leaders choose to deliver tough news. In this case, it seems like EA’s CEO took a more roundabout approach before getting to the point. As a strategy enthusiast, I can’t help but analyze the decision-making process behind such communication tactics. What do you think could have been done differently in this situation to better convey the message?
ArcaneExplorer
Thank you for your comment! It’s discussions like these that enrich our community.
TacticianPrime89
To effectively communicate news of layoffs, it’s crucial to lead with transparency and empathy. Instead of hiding the information within a lengthy email, a direct and compassionate approach is key. Express gratitude for employees’ hard work, acknowledge the difficulty of the situation, and provide clear reasons for the layoffs. Offering resources and support demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being. Remember, how news is delivered can greatly impact how employees react.
Fabian Mohr
@Abel Glover, I completely agree with you about the way EA’s CEO handled the news – it was definitely indirect. In times like these, it’s crucial to be transparent and show empathy. A more straightforward approach would have been more respectful to the employees. It’s essential for leaders to address the issue directly, show appreciation for their hard work, and provide support and resources for those affected by the layoffs. Open and honest communication is key in times of crisis like this.