In a time where there are some layoffs going on, I know some of our colleagues may have been affected.
There is a tendency to ostracize those who are going through this ordeal, and the truth is that, in our economy, it happens cyclically with every boom and bust cycle. The economic engine revs up, and then slows down, which for most companies means they have to hire new people to catch-up to the new demand, and then they have to readjust when that demand wanes.
"Laid off" is not the same as "fired". I know it is usually followed with "by no fault of its own", but that really doesn't do it justice. While it is true that many organizations use layoffs as an opportunity to get rid of low performers, it also happens that in every shakedown, organizations make decisions that may be based on the cost the employee represents, their function and maturity of the projects they are running (once things are in-place and running, the skills needed to keep them steady is different, and generally doesn't require as much leadership skills), or just a strategic realignment motivated either by the economic downturn or any other thing (closing down a division, region or just delaying its launch).
None of the people impacted by a layoff are imperfect. The organization just doesn't have a place for them anymore.
When you are driving around trying to find a parking place, and you cannot find one, does that say anything about your ability to drive, or the quality of your car?
Everyone has something valuable to contribute once they find their place. Help them find it.