While you have limited influence in the reorganization of your company, you have complete control over your response to the move. In this piece, the author offers strategies to help you successfully navigate a changing corporate environment: 1) First, talk to your manager and highlight how you bring value. 2) Nurture your network. 3) Create a scenario plan. 4) Make time for career maintenance. 5) Manage your emotions, and be kind to yourself.
You may have experienced at least one reorg in your career. And, like most executives and employees, you probably fear them.
While a successful redesign can help a company improve performance, they are often a frustrating experience for everyone involved. Most of the reorganizations were taken 10 months from plan to execution, and high uncertainty leads to significant stress and anxiety, regardless if job loss accompanies change. It is no wonder that approximately 60% of organizations experience a fall productivity during this limbo state.
Reorgs can be especially difficult if you’re nervous about what’s going to happen in your role. Even if you feel that the situation is out of your hands, there is much you can do to lead to a positive outcome. Here are some steps to take if you are worried about the upcoming reorg:
First, talk to your manager and highlight how you bring value.
If you know about the reorg, some change decisions may be final. But likely, many pieces are still in play. Actively communicate with your manager about upcoming changes and your career.
To prepare for the meeting, clarify how your value aligns with the company’s needs. Take a broad view of the business, including its challenges, market opportunities, and strategic direction.
Next, identify some scenarios that show how you can meaningfully contribute to the company’s success. You might say, “Here’s what I see for business. I want to help us succeed, and here are the areas where I have expertise or leadership in the past. Your manager will appreciate your company’s first-hand perspective and thinking. And through explaining the different ways you can contributeyou make it easy for them to advocate for you.
Finally, remember that you’re not the only one approaching your manager this way, and they probably won’t be able to make any guarantees. Identify your understanding of these circumstances; your manager will appreciate your empathy.
Nurture your network.
A strong internal network is always beneficial for career success. It has even more value within the uncertainty of a reorg, when access to information and opportunities can be a game changer for you. The more supporters you have in your company, the safer you are.
Make a list of people to connect with, including allies, former managers, and mentors or advocates. In addition to nurturing your close relationships, consider colleagues you haven’t kept in touch with, such as former teammates, cross-functional partners, or co-workers you used to work with. Dormant relationships offer more novel insights and advice and can be a valuable source of knowledge and social capital.
A client whose role was in jeopardy received two separate offers from other areas of his company by revitalizing his network. Your internal networking efforts can also open up external opportunities if there is a need or desire.
Do some scenario planning.
Thinking about how the reorg will unfold and how you will respond will help you react more enthusiastically to the unknown future.
What are the plausible consequences of the reorg for you? Scan the current business reality, taking into account the influential internal and external factors. Consider the worst case, best case, and multiple outcomes between these poles, and determine how you can handle each.
Document action steps and consider timing: Are there strategies and tactics you need to pursue soon? One of my clients, for example, identified a possible opportunity to transfer to a new department. Inspired by this scenario, he started contributing ideas to the group manager and tackled a problem they were facing. Being creative and adding value will increase the chances of your desired outcome.
Finally, look for signs that a scenario is unfolding. For example, if your manager asks you to detail your role and responsibilities, they are likely under pressure to restructure their team and consolidate roles. Staying alert to these signs can prompt you when to act quickly.
By proactively recognizing the different possible outcomes and determining how you will respond, you can ensure that you are not caught on your back foot.
Make time for career maintenance.
EVER update your resume and LinkedIn profile good career hygiene, which allows you to capture your contributions and achievements while they are still fresh. Use each reorg as an incentive to make this career care.
This is also an opportunity think about your general feelings about your current role. A reorg can provide a valuable turning point, even if you don’t realize you’re ready for one; perhaps you can let this be your impetus to explore more exciting possibilities, whether internal or external.
Manage your emotions, and be kind to yourself.
It’s normal to feel stressed, angry, or scared about your future during this time of limbo. To manage your emotions, note and name them briefly; For example, “I feel stressed that I might lose my job.” Label your feelings can help you feel calmer and reduce the risk of becoming reactive.
And try not to personalize any conversations and decisions related to organizing. The truth is that companies make innovation efforts only for business reasons. Thinking otherwise will only increase your emotional load.
Consider this example. One of my clients needed to transition his organization to another leader whose next role was not yet determined. He felt worthless and angry, but he knew he had to work together. on re-evaluate in the situation, he realized that this change would give him a chance to recharge and try something new. This helps him feel more positive about the transition and shows that he can thrive in uncertainty, resulting in accolades and a higher role. Ask yourself: What are some of the benefits of this reorg for me?
. . .
While you have limited influence in the reorganization of your company, you have complete control over your response to the move. The use of strategies here can provide a measure of self-determination and opportunity, which will help you successfully navigate a business situation.
