Sink or Swim?

I'd just landed my first real manager's job, including the office complete with all the mod cons... a desk... a phone... a computer terminal. Yes, times have changed!!

What seemed like two seconds later, I was told I had to re-apply for the job I had just landed! With massive head count reductions planned, and targeting more senior roles, I figured I had picked the wrong time to get promoted!

I tried to convince myself that they couldn't possibly want rid of me. Sure they had just put me through the wringer to get the job?  

So I kept telling myself to Keep Calm and Carry On.

Easier said than done. Talking to people in the same boat made matters worse. I could feel their panic and soon learned who to avoid. Others were gearing up for the competition, every man for themselves.

This was my first experience of restructuring in a large company. It even had its own name…  like that would make us feel any better.

With each restructuring the outward panic was replaced with a more than cynical eye roll.

But here is what I learned:

• Hold on to the view that you are too valuable to lose - you are!
• Remember the difference only you can make in this organisation
• That these reorganisations always present opportunities; it pays to scan the horizon and look for a job you will enjoy
• Accept that change is inevitable - and move on as quickly as you can
• Put your best foot forward.
  
  

Best,

Anne Dargan