Breaking news: IABC reportedly lays off more than half its headquarters staff; members shocked

UPDATE: IABC's executive director Chris Sorek writes to clarify what he told me on the phone Friday: "On November 29, we notified 16 employees that they would be let go—10 immediately and six at the end of 1Q13. We are in process of posting openings for 11 new roles that will result in a net reduction of five staff in total by the end of 1Q13."

UPDATE: A phone conversation with IABC executive director Chris Sorek just now reveals that IABC yesterday laid off 10 members of the 32-person San Francisco headquarters staff. Five more people will be let go in the first quarter of next year. Others will be added, however, so the net loss of IABC staff will not be "more than half" as I first reported, but five people in all, according to Sorek. After all the realignment, the HQ staff will be 27. IABC's PR director Paige Wesley was among those let go.

Sorek seemed annoyed by the Sturm und Drang. "There's nothing shocking" about the layoffs, he said. "We're simply aligning our staff to our strategy, that's all." (Sorek described that strategy to me around the time that he took over the organization, in the summer.) Sorek said he needed some skill sets he didn't have, and the new organization will run much more efficiently.

Annoyed, and surprised. The IABC leaders with whom he has communicated with about the restucturing, "the reaction from people has been positive."

I'll keep an eye on the story. —DM

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On Facebook, Lee Hornick, the conference chair for the International Association of Business Communicators, wrote at about 4:40 p.m. EST, "Just heard more than half the staff at IABC headquarters was let go. I am totally shocked."

"This is not the IABC way," he added. "I thought IABC was doing well."

Other IABC veterans chimed in, one indicating that prominent members had received an email yesterday from IABC's paid CEO Chris Sorek that said, "Realignment of the structure to more fully deliver on the strategy will require some staff changes. These will include a number of changes at the senior level as well as some support staff."

"Changes and layoffs are not synonyms, last I checked," said longtime member and IABC Fellow Shel Holtz. "Kinda embarrassing for a communications organization, wouldn't you say? Would any of us counsel our clients or companies in this way?"

"Is there something going wrong at IABC that is not being shared with the member?" asked IABC Fellow Tudor Williams. "If this is true—what business communication strategy would keep members ... in the dark on a Friday afternoon? This smells bad."

I'll attempt to get in touch with IABC headquarters this afternoon.

Comments

[Allan Jenkins]

Word around the campfire is that 16 got it.

[David Murray]

Well, Sorek sez 10 with five more to come in the first quarter.

[Robert J Holland]

I've been saying for years that IABC has been on the decline because of a lack of focus on where it needs to be -- at the chapter level. (I know you disagree with my assessment.) Hopefully this new strategy will include a greater degree of chapter support rather than solely focusing on selling products and services.

[Jennifer Frahm]

While I don't endorse the execution of the communication of this change, I am now prepared to prepay 5 years of membership fees to support Sorek in his efforts in transforming the organisation. Change is hard and takes decisive leadership. I think we have seen this with this action. It also takes some time - that's why I'll give it a few years.

[Brian Kilgore]

Who hired Sorek?

A lot of IABC staff had good relations with senior IABC members, including board members.

I wonder how many good people will want to fill these job openings at IABC after they learn how the openings opened.

It seems to me that the point of much that IABC taught in its courses and lectures and conferences was the opposite of what Sorek chose to do.

What board members either 1/ gave him permission, or, 2/set up an employment relationship that allowed him this authority.

Was there a board meeting authorizing these actions? Are there minutes going to members?

Does the anti-drunk group in England miss Sorek?

It's too bad BAK's Report has fallen asleep.

BAK

[Roger D'Aprix]

I have literally spent a career fighting the sort of Friday afternoon massacre carried out by new IABC executive director Chris Sorek. I join Brian Kilgore, Shel Holtz and Tudor Williams in condemning the way this has been handled. Smart CEO's spend some time learning the lay of the land before they launch massive change. They also prepare their constituencies and offer compelling rationales. Aside from a few platitudes about 'exciting change,' what is the persuasive rationale for such drastic action? The membership should demand accountability and candid explanations for why these actions are being taken.