In my observation absolute statements about no layoffs are a strong indication of future layoffs in this economy. It's impossible to be certain in this economy so giving an absolute statement is basically a lie. Someone who is so brazen about lying to/deceiving their employees will have no qualms with doing layoffs. On the other hand someone who uses more careful language even if it costs them in the short term is someone who will have more qualms about layoffs.
I think this is actually a more astute analogy than you realize, because the only reason a coach would be asked that question in the first place is because there are questions about the player’s ability to perform—-as the sibling comment here notes.
Similarly, you don’t ask tech companies if they’re doing layoffs when the sector is booming.
That the question is even asked probably shoots the probability of benching/layoffs up to some ridiculous amount to begin with.
I agree, but I think the sports analogy is even more on point when it comes to sports management giving a vote of confidence to coaches. You only ever have to say anything like that when there are questions.
Coaches and players... they talk about each other a lot.
In sports or in Irish politics were the Taoiseach might have to state he has "full confidence" of whatever individual in his administration when there are "irregularities" that have come to light.
I mean, is there another part of that quote? Anytime I've been put on the spot for these types of statements it's always '...at this time.' Nothing in business is static. When the facts change the business has to change.