Executives: "Losing a job can shake the entire foundation of their self-worth"
No one has researched self-esteem more than Christine Altstötter-Gleich in Germany. In the interview, she explains why managers often can't cope well with termination - and what helps them.
In Berlin, a significant wave of layoffs is currently affecting businesses across various industries, with 14 percent of terminated employees being senior executives, according to data from the Federal Employment Agency. Christine Altstötter-Gleich, a leading researcher on self-esteem and perfectionism, discusses the potential impact of job loss on the self-esteem of those who have built their identities around their professional achievements.
Altstötter-Gleich explains that some individuals are more vulnerable to developing depression after losing their jobs, particularly those who derive a significant portion of their self-worth from their career.
The self-esteem is a complex concept, consisting of one's perception of themselves, such as "I am brave" or "I am attractive" or "I am good at my job." It is built upon personal experiences, successes, personal values, and external evaluations. Since many people dedicate a considerable amount of time to their careers, it is natural for them to derive a significant part of their self-worth from their professional achievements.
Therefore, when a job is lost, the loss of the source of recognition can be devastating, potentially leading to a negative spiral of declining self-esteem.
Altstötter-Gleich emphasizes that the self-esteem is highly dependent on external validation, and it fluctuates strongly, being influenced by external feedback and criticism. This is especially true for individuals who have a tendency to develop a contingent self-esteem, often driven by perfectionism. These individuals derive a substantial portion of their self-worth from their professional performance, and any failure or criticism can be perceived as a significant personal failure, leading to a severe personal crisis.
To identify if their self-esteem is contingent, Führungskräfte should pay attention to their reactions to constructive criticism. If they respond strongly and feel shaken by feedback, it might indicate that their self-worth is overly reliant on external validation. To counteract this, it is essential to develop multiple sources of self-esteem, such as personal values, achievements outside of work, hobbies, and relationships.
This approach helps build resilience against job loss and prevents depression. If in doubt, seeking professional help can provide additional support in navigating this challenging situation.
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