New book offers suggestions for downsized workers & companies

Monday, December 17, 2001

By Linda Dillman, Southeast Messenger Staff Writer

Life can be a rocky road for companies looking to downsize and employees caught up in the maelstrom of the growing business practice, but author Christopher England may have answers for both in a new book.

“Outsourcing the American Dream” explores corporate mismanagement and downsizing, and offers suggestions for the business world and individuals impacted by the action. England said the book offers something for anyone seeking to take control of his or her own life or destiny.

“There is a perception among managers that it’s (downsizing) easy to do; but it is an overused, difficult thing to do in reality,” said England, a 1986 graduate of Pickerington High School and a management and process improvement specialist.

“I wrote this book for people like my father, who was let go as a result of downsizing in 1995, and my sister-in-law, who has been laid of a couple of times. This is a handbook for companies and individuals,” said England.

Company loyalty, a bridge once spanning two directions, in which an employee started with a company and stayed until retirement, started to change in the mid-1980s.

“When companies started rapid downsizing, long-term employment began to disappear,” England said. “Some places now even tell prospective employees not to plan on spending more then three to five years with the company.”

Between 1979 and 1999, two million jobs annually disappeared to downsizing. Since 1990, England, himself, went through eight different business reorganizations.

In “Outsourcing the American Dream,” England argues the number one reason for all business failures in America is the lack of bold, decisive, and visionary leadership in business and government.

He suggests companies eliminate positions through downsizing in as voluntary a process as possible. The author said a company should discuss market forces driving the decision with employees.

The book addresses problems created by the government, and the part the employee plays in downsizing and career planning.

“Most companies won’t get involved in your career development,” remarked England. “For the most part, companies and employees write their own destinies. Certainly, many readers will be shocked by what I have to say, and that’s good, since most of us need a good, swift kick now and again before we take action. If my book touches a sensitive nerve, then I’ve done my job.

As emotionally and financially traumatizing as downsizing can be on an individual and company, England reports, for some, the stormy cloud has a silver lining.

“The employees is pushed out of their comfort zone and forced to explore other options. Some finally, have the opportunity to go back to school and others start their own business, like my father did when he was 55 and started England Insurance,” said England. “There are also some companies that benefit from downsizing, such as recruiting firms and employment agencies, and those that become financially stronger after going through the process.”

It took England only a year to write the book, but another three to get it published. “Outsourcing the American Dream,” $16.95, is available for order locally or directly from Writer’s Club Press by calling 877-823-9235. It is also available online from Booksamillion.com, BarnesandNoble.com, or at Amazon.com.

The Pickerington author hopes to have a book signing next year at a local book store.