In today's uncertain economy, many leaders are facing the tough decision of reducing its staff.  If layoffs are your best option, then do it right, according to Guy Kawasaki (Entrepreneur magazine, August 2008) by following his guidelines:

• Take responsibility.  Ultimately it is the CEO's responsibility to make the cuts, so don;t blame it on the board.  have the courage to live up to your decision.
• Cut deep and cut once.  Don;t expect a miracle to come and prevent rounds 2, 3 and 4 of more cuts.  Multiple cuts cripple your team's morale, and quickly diminishes your credibility.  A better message will be: "Crisis over, we're hiring again!"
• Move fast.  One hour after your management team discusses layoffs, the company will know something is happening.  Once popel sense the sword is coming, productivity drops like a rock.
• Clean house.  A layoff is a good time to eliminate marginal employees.
• Provide support.  Usually the people getting laid off are not at fault.  provide counselling where appropriate, even if it is simply career help.
• Don't let people self select.  If you allow folks to choose to be laid off or retire early, you lose control of which people leave.  You could lose key talent.  You make the decision.
• Circulate.  After the deed is done, do not hide behind your office door and stop answering email.  This is the time to motivate by walking around.