Ten Tips on Surviving Reorganization
How do we survive the ever-changing dynamics of the workplace related to frequent leadership changes and personnel moves? Here are my basic tips for survival. There was a time in the not so distant past, that staying with an organization too long was a negative mark on your resume. I honestly do not believe you need to be concerned about this today. Have you noticed personnel and leadership changes are occurring on 18 to 24 month cycles. Look at what has happened recently in Washington D.C..
Ok, what should you do to prepare yourself?
1.Understand a change in leadership is out of your control, accept it.
2.Keep an open mind to this change and be flexible.
3.Establish a clear and concise understanding of your job that you can articulate to someone by identifying critical tasks in a clear manner.
4.Be able to relate your job and associated activities the overall business. If you can not articulate and relate the critical points of your job to the business, stop and complete this review now. Seek out assistance if this becomes challenging.
5.Get your goals and performance measurement statistics up to date. Look back at your most recent personnel performance review document. Having this baseline of previously approved goals can benefit you when and if questioned on why you are currently involved in something the new manager does not understand or think is important.
6.Figure out a way to associate your job function and tasks performance to the overall organizational goals and promote the benefits you provide.
7.You may want have available to list tactical (daily or repetitive) activities and also strategic (long term) activities.
8.Do not be afraid to discuss issues or problems you are currently addressing id called upon. This is not about whining, but showing you have the ability to be a problem solver.
9.If you don't like the job or direction of the company after the change, seek out alternatives internally or outside the company.
10.Maintain your network of professional contacts, even if you have not spoken to some of them recently, do so soon.
I have experienced 2 new company presidents, 3 new direct managers and multiple peer level personnel re-shuffling within the last 14 months myself. Prepare yourself for change, do not let change overwhelm or stress you out. Above all, take control of the aspects of your job that are with in your span of control. Adopt the "it's about personal survival" attitude.
Ok, what should you do to prepare yourself?
1.Understand a change in leadership is out of your control, accept it.
2.Keep an open mind to this change and be flexible.
3.Establish a clear and concise understanding of your job that you can articulate to someone by identifying critical tasks in a clear manner.
4.Be able to relate your job and associated activities the overall business. If you can not articulate and relate the critical points of your job to the business, stop and complete this review now. Seek out assistance if this becomes challenging.
5.Get your goals and performance measurement statistics up to date. Look back at your most recent personnel performance review document. Having this baseline of previously approved goals can benefit you when and if questioned on why you are currently involved in something the new manager does not understand or think is important.
6.Figure out a way to associate your job function and tasks performance to the overall organizational goals and promote the benefits you provide.
7.You may want have available to list tactical (daily or repetitive) activities and also strategic (long term) activities.
8.Do not be afraid to discuss issues or problems you are currently addressing id called upon. This is not about whining, but showing you have the ability to be a problem solver.
9.If you don't like the job or direction of the company after the change, seek out alternatives internally or outside the company.
10.Maintain your network of professional contacts, even if you have not spoken to some of them recently, do so soon.
I have experienced 2 new company presidents, 3 new direct managers and multiple peer level personnel re-shuffling within the last 14 months myself. Prepare yourself for change, do not let change overwhelm or stress you out. Above all, take control of the aspects of your job that are with in your span of control. Adopt the "it's about personal survival" attitude.
posted by Kent Jacobson, a.k.a. "Mr. Success" at 6:02 PM
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