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Journalism of Courage
A LinkedIn post by Jackson Lynch, Chief HR Officer at Consigliere, has gone viral after he described a striking reaction to a recent round of layoffs. According to Lynch, about 2,000 employees applauded after the announcement, not because they were pleased about losing jobs or colleagues, but because of the way the news was delivered.
“2,000 employees clapped for layoffs. Not because they were happy to lose colleagues, or even their own job. But because we told them the truth,” he wrote.
Lynch explained that the company chose honesty over the usual corporate spin. Instead of dressing up the decision with terms like “restructuring” or vague promises, they spoke directly: why the layoffs were happening, what it meant for the business, and what steps would follow. “No jargon. No ‘reorg’ spin. No sugarcoating. Just honesty: why it was happening, what it meant, and what came next,” his post said.
For him, that approach turned a painful situation into one marked by mutual respect. “Employees didn’t resent it. They respected it. They applauded it. Radical transparency isn’t cruelty. It’s respect in action,” he added.
The post struck a chord on LinkedIn, sparking mixed reactions. One commenter wrote, “I wish it were better news of course, but it sounds like it was handled masterfully… it’s at once humbling and uplifting—a real testament to their character and your craft.” Another person praised the philosophy behind the move, noting, “Radical transparency is tough, but when done right, it builds loyalty and credibility.”
Not everyone agreed, though. “Nobody claps after being fired. Stop portraying mass layoffs like a Christmas celebration,” wrote on user.
