You’ve found your dream job, but within six months your world turns upside down. The company restructures, leaving a trail of high level departures. Your boss leaves unexpectedly, HR informs you of further budget cuts aligned with the restructure, suggesting you reach out and connect with corporate headquarters.
But you don’t know a soul at HQ. How do you quickly find a reliable new network, when yours has disappeared?
Your initial reactions may be:
Fight or Flight – Should you leave now with the others, or stay and determine how to navigate your next steps? It’s easy-and normal- to panic and get stuck, but can you clearly re-frame and truly assess what needs to be done first? If so, will it allow you and your team to get through what will likely be a tumultuous transition?
Reinvigorate the Role – You’re new to the company, not many know you and vice versa. Should you sit back and watch the parade, or re-introduce your team and yourself to the company? Reach out to HQ, evaluate the less visible influence networks operating far away and connect with a couple of ‘influencers’.
Now you’re ready to…
Buy the Ticket – Once you’ve made the connections, take the next step set up a meeting, take the next flight to HQ, or present a webinar on your group. Now is the time to begin your 90 day on-boarding plan, meeting key stakeholders and decision makers. Know what you want for you and your team and leave with firm commitments.
No job is permanent. Start with a solid plan and build your network on day one.
