One of the prime contributors to post-merger failure is "the big lie"
- senior management's tendency to make pleasant but untrue statements
intended to calm the nerves of those affected by the deal to reduce
their own anxiety about delivering bad news. However, most employees -
not to mention customers, suppliers, community leaders,and shareholders -
are too smart to accept facile pleasantries.
In this article, you'll learn how to effectively merge
your organizations, reduce anxiety, and create a successful new company,
including:
- The four "soothing statements" that you should avoid saying
- What you can do to ease the transition
- Recognizing the role of the senior leaders in dealing with uncertainty
- Dealing with our own anxiety regarding the integration
Leader to Leader, Number 15, Winter 2000
To get a copy of "A Merger of Equals" and Other Big Lies, complete the download form.