Downsizing, the proponents say, is a quick way to restore competitiveness. But downsizing alone does not help achieve operational excellence. Outward appearance may improve temporarily, but overall well-being and physical fitness do not improve. Soon, the person regains the fat. A sad side effect to the whole downsizing phenomenon is that misplaced workers often feel that they, instead of management, are to blame for the organizational ills.
Words are important.
Unenlightened leadership causes an organization to gain unneeded layers of management. Unfocused leadership causes delays which allows the competition to jump ahead. Unaware leadership causes training budgets to be slashed, leaving workers without the proper skills required to compete in the next century. Downsizing is removing years of accumulated, unwanted fat caused by the absence of proper leadership. The Survivors Paradox Often, after the dust has settled, those left standing in the organization have an extremely difficult time helping the organization improve.