Clients often come to see me because recent management changes have left them much less interested in their current assignment. It may be that a planned or recent reorganization has either changed their function or the context in which they work. One client was blunt. “After the dust settled on the reorganization, I was left with fewer good people, and my shot at a decent bonus looked out of reach. This isn’t what I signed up for”.
Situations When Management Changes
Gender Status
One client told me that “there was a chance for the company to promote me during the reorganization to a position I deserved. Instead, I ended up reporting to a younger manager who had been a mentee of mine several years ago. The boys’ network protected itself, and as a woman, I am tired of being overlooked. My production is as high or higher than any of the men at my level”.
Inadequate Budget
Sometimes management changes dictate budget cuts that make a once exciting challenge look impossible. “I was supposed to reenergize our regional sales force, and my travel funds and the number of new people I could hire were totally inadequate. I made several thoughtful budget proposals and was basically told to grin and bear it. I decided that it’s time to think about moving on, but I am not sure of my next step.”
A Transfer is Required
Several clients come to see me because of recent management changes that led to an unattractive proposed transfer. “My two kids are in high school, and they want to move me from Austin to New York City. Not only will our money not go as far, but I would be moving my kids away from their friends, the football team, and their horses. I am seeing you because I need to make a graceful transition with college costs on the near term horizon.”
Incompatibility With a New Boss
A frequent concern is when a new boss becomes a problem after replacing a valued supervisor. “I had a great relationship with my old boss. We had been together for five years. We totally trusted each other, and after we negotiated my annual goals, she basically left me alone to meet my targets. The new guy wants weekly written reports and is always second-guessing the approach that has worked well for my people and me.”
How to Make a Successful Transition
Sound familiar? It may be time to think systematically about managing a transition to a new position that meets your needs. Frequently those management changes that make your current position so untenable can provide the impetus for making the right move. Experience Matters has enabled hundreds of executives in transition to land on their feet. The process involves some focused thinking about what would constitute an ideal job. The next step is to develop an elevator speech that is short, to the point and explains exactly what you are looking for. You can offer clarity to the people you see during informational interviews who can then send you to the best contacts in their network.
More often than not, after a couple of months of talking with people, someone will say, “Is there any way we could get you to join us?” They either want to create a job for you, or they know that someone is going to leave soon. You look like a good fit that will save the company the cost of a national search.
Peter Sherer is a nationally recognized career coach who offers clarity and confidence to mid-career and senior executives in transition. In just two short days, his rigorous assessment tools enable his clients to identify a meaningful assignment that uses all of their skills and experience. Learn more and get in touch with Peter today.