http://johngself.com/self-perspective/2016/07/merger-wind-5-important-career-management-reminders/?utm_source=Self+Perspective+from+JohnGSelf+%2B+Partners%2C+Inc.&utm_campaign=71c66149bd-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_70effc545f-71c66149bd-88600789

For potential suitors in the healthcare mergers craze  that seems to reflect the idea that bigger is better, or at least safer,  the important question at hand is how long will it take to turn around a 1,093-foot nuclear-powdered aircraft carrier in the Houston ship channel that is 45 feet deep and only 500 feet wide?

Meanwhile there are consultants, investment bankers and lawyers standing on the sidelines, much as they did during the 1990s merger phase, ready to reap big fees to unwind or litigate a difficult divorce before the creditors call the question.

For executives who must also worry about their own career path, the potential for layoffs in mergers is no laughing matter.  As one CEO said of his merger with another regional system, “There are going to be a lot of people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.”

If you are employed by an organization in serious merger talks, or waiting for the FTC or the courts to bless the consolidation, what should you do?