Experiences in life are what shape our personalities, actions, and perceptions. Events, both bad and good, are necessary for one's growth and development. 

If you’re in the corporate world, you will come across multiple scenarios like these, where you will have to act on logic rather than emotion. Good times produce oxytocin, which is also called the love hormone. 

It's how our mind reacts to positive enforcers, allowing us to enjoy positive events. But what are the negative scenarios you may come across as a manager?

How should Managers deal with Hard Times?

Positive scenarios shape our future, allowing us to feel motivated and determined. On the other hand, hard times produce the hormone vasopressin, which negatively impacts brain function. It's the brain's way of alerting the body about an unwanted event. 

As a manager, the most difficult times you will have to face include some of the following:

• Layoffs

Layoffs are tough for managers because they must break the termination news to their employees. If you have been in this situation before, you must understand how challenging it can be. 

However, you can always ease it by following an empathetic approach, making the employee understand your circumstances instead of forcing the decision on them. 

• Closures

Corporate closures leave many individuals unemployed. As a manager, you must find a new approach to the business after closure and provide much-needed support during this time. You need to bring the employees under your confidence, ensuring they will help you through this tough time. 

There’s also a chance that you might lose your employment as well. Nonetheless, maintaining a positive approach is the key to long-term success.

• Mergers

Mergers can be unpredictable depending on individual cases. The company may take a positive turn or a setback based on the new business model. As a manager, your job is to fulfill your duties, use your expertise in the most suitable way, and adjust to these mergers in a beneficial way for everyone. You shouldn't fret if things don't go your way right away; remember, a merger can be a learning experience if you let it!

• Hostile Takeovers

Unplanned business takeovers cause a serious toll on your mental health. You may even get stuck between the vasopressin and oxytocin feeling since there’s too much emotion included. 

The best way to deal with these hostile takeovers is to follow a passive attitude initially, adjust to the new upper management, and then introduce your input when the time is right.

• New CEOs

The CEO has a direct impact on the vision of a company. If there's a new CEO you don't look eye to eye with, don't take it personally. There's a chance you could learn a lot from them if you take it as a positive scenario. 

The same applies to an economic recession where your company's finances aren't as strong. Remember that businesses often bounce back, and with a little steadfastness, you can do the same. 

Understanding the difference between Hard Times

Your reaction in a challenging time shows your stature and credibility as a manager. Know that hard times will never be enjoyable but are a learning opportunity and a way to show your skills. The best way to deal with times like these is to find a balanced approach and take action keeping long-term goals in mind.