I’m selling my business. How do I tell my staff?

Dear Aunty B,

For the past 19 years my business has been my life and three weeks ago I was approached out of the blue to sell it.

I had been thinking about it to be honest, but if you had asked me in October would I be in the position I am in this morning I would have said not on your life, because once the offer was made, I accepted it and things moved faster than I thought.

So this Friday is my last day. I have no idea how to tell my staff because this will come out of the blue for them and many have been with us for years. I am also scared I am just going to break down and cry and not even get the words out! I actually feel like I am profoundly letting them down.

Any suggestions would be great.

Leon

Dear Leon,

Here is my suggestion. The announcement to staff is not about you. It is not about your feelings of letting them down or your years in service. It is about their future. So you must anticipate all of their questions in a Q&A format so you have clear answers about the rest of their lives.

I know you are very attached to the company and to them but they are going to have a lot of questions about their jobs, money and bosses. So here is what you must do. You should consult someone in HR who is used to the type of questions that will be asked in a situation like this and formulate the answers. Then you are going to practise in front of someone and answer their questions in a mock situation.

Once you are sure you can convey the information they need to hear then you square your shoulders and go and deliver the message. Finally, make sure you have people there by your side to support you so you can remain strong.

Be smart,
Your Aunty B

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