Sanjiv Anand, Chairman, Cedar Management Consulting International

In this episode, I describe corporate restructuring as the equivalent of open-heart surgery for a business — high stakes, precise and unforgiving. The first principle I stress is simple: structure must always follow strategy, never individual egos or internal politics.

I explain why restructuring must be decisive and swift. Once the strategic direction is clear, design should be tightly held, execution rapid, and new roles assigned immediate performance targets. Prolonged transitions only create anxiety and resistance.

I also caution that restructuring without layoffs is very different from restructuring with job cuts — the latter requires a far more sensitive and deliberate approach.

Ultimately, restructuring is not about moving boxes on an organisation chart. It is about realigning the business to its strategy to ensure long-term survival and competitiveness.