Lost a Regional Manager, Training Director or Marketing Executive?
As turnaround specialists, we are well aware of the challenges that can occur when an executive overseeing a region or department leaves a company.
Here is an important tip:
Define Expectations-Spell out “Excellence”
When a team leader leaves, it is important to make sure that all employees affected by the change are on the same page as the interim leaders when it comes to what “excellence” looks like. It may be tempting to just let the staff “get through” the transition, to “just hang on”. The problem with this philosophy is that one of the first questions that goes through a direct reports mind is, “What will happen to me? What am I supposed to do?”
Take the time to clarify and define expectations in clear terms. For example, here is an excerpt from a job description under the heading of Customer Service Responsibilities: “Treat all customers with respect”. Sounds nice, but what does that mean? Aretha Franklin might have spelled out R-E-S-P-E-C-T, but she also offered a challenge “find out what it means to me”. To engage team members, help them have a clear definition of what excellence in action looks like, “Stand and greet all customers with a friendly ‘hello’ as they enter the office” leaves little room for misinterpretation and defines one of the action steps that equate to “respecting the customer”. By spelling out what the company expects in definitive terms (whether during a period of transition or not) employees are provided with a stable vision of excellence and how to achieve it.
Discover True North offers a seamless method to bridge the gaps during transition times. We have a seasoned team of interim specialists experienced at both the Regional and Executive level and are able to quickly assess, strategize and then deliver management, operations, marketing, training and services that remain true to a multifamily firm’s policies, practices and culture while you take the time to search for the right permanent candidate.
Once you have found the right candidate, DTN hands over a stabilized, well-functioning region or department to your new regional or executive employee. Click here to learn more.
