How to prepare for—and respond to—a leader leaving

Workplace shakeups can be jarring—even scarring.

Especially when it involves a prominent leader, the aftermath of an unexpected departure can take a severe toll on your team’s morale. Communicators can’t predict the future—nor prevent scandals—but they can certainly prepare for change. They can also play a major role in facilitating companywide healing, clarity, calm and direction during times of transition.

If preparation for top-tier tumult isn’t on your radar, it should be. 2018 had the highest number of CEO departures since the recession-wrought chaos of 2008. The trend of holding the powerful to account promises to continue in 2019.

So, whether it’s a scandal-fueled ouster or just drama-free job-jumping, it’s wise to prep for potential departures. Here are three ideas to help control the narrative:

1. Be transparent and honest, but don’t go overboard. Your colleagues deserve to know the gist of why a leader has skedaddled. However, this might not be the time for “radical honesty.”