[tacticalturtle]

I think a start would be to stop saying the phrase “I take full responsibility for this decision” if you aren’t also publicly taking a pay cut.

There’s no need for a CEO to bring themselves and their feelings into the conversation. It’s this weird attempt at empathy that fails, because the CEO isn’t making any sacrifices.

Just say that there are layoffs. Most rational people who have been in any business for more than a few years recognize them as an unfortunate part of the business cycle.