Harriette Cole: Since the layoffs started, things have gotten weird at work

DEAR HARRIETTE: Several people have been laid off at my job. I work for a small startup, and those of us who are left are all worried that one of us is next.

There’s a lot of whispering and worrying going on, and tons of finger-pointing. The boss hasn’t really said much about the layoffs other than that they needed to tighten their belts. That has gotten everybody worrying about what that means for the future.

People are now walking around on edge or becoming super competitive. The collaborative way that we used to work is quickly being replaced by aggressive, fearful bullying.

I am not in charge, but I would like to help turn things around. What can I do?

Get Reinspired

DEAR GET REINSPIRED: If you have a rapport with the company’s leader, ask to have a chat with them. Point out that you have noticed a dip in morale. Ask if you can help leadership turn that around by finding ways to establish more collaborative moments.

With your friends and colleagues at work, remain positive. Encourage others to stay the course, do the work at hand and believe that better days are ahead. Do not succumb to the negative chatter, but do pay attention. Leadership must step up in order for this fledgling company to survive. If you don’t see them making any effort, that is your sign to look for another job.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I work freelance on a project that uses several teams to complete work. I was asked to provide creative guidance to one of the teams, and it is proving to be difficult. These people do not believe that they need to answer to me.

My guess is that the manager of the whole project neglected to tell them that they should listen to me. As a result, whenever I provide feedback, they rarely incorporate it. Then I have to double back and pressure them to make even the smallest correction. It is exhausting.

How can I get them to at least consider my comments?

Unheard

DEAR UNHEARD: Request a meeting with the project manager. Express your concern that your input is not being considered. Remind the manager that they had asked you to bring your expertise to this project. Ask the manager to reinforce their decision to have you be involved so that the rest of the team is clear about roles and responsibilities.

Also, identify a point person who can be your partner on the project. Request that the two of you work together to ensure that all feedback has been received and is being reviewed. Establishing a personal connection should help you to build a better bond.

Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.