Prepare for a culture shock after a merger
MERGERS and acquisitions (M&A) are becoming commonplace in the corporate world today. The employees of companies involved in such mergers find themselves clueless about which company they belong to, their position in the new setup and the relevance of their skills in the changed scenario.
As an employee in a company involved in a merger you could even find yourself without a job or maybe move to another city to retain your job. Your manager could change and maybe your job description as well. You may find yourself facing a new work culture and inundated with new ideas and ways of doing things. Such a situation can be trying to most of us but if we deal with the situation wisely the transition can be a smooth journey for us.
The first thing to do when you receive any news of a merger or acquisition is to ask the management directly about it so that you do not rely on the information that is circulating, you never know it may just be a rumour. It is always better to get first hand information from the management and be sure to follow up on any news you have gathered. This will help you be mentally prepared when the merger comes through. Also on your part do not share any information regarding this with your colleagues unless you are absolutely sure and if you have been asked to keep such information confidential, see that you adhere to the request. Either way ensure that others do not lose trust in you.
When the deal does come through, take the first steps in speaking to your boss about it and assure him that you are well-equipped to face the changed situation. Remind him about your skills and abilities and core capabilities and how you can put them to their best use in the changed situation.
However, if your boss is new, you may have to prove to him how good or efficient you are in your job and gain his confidence. Be sure to discuss the new goals and objectives that have come up after the merger and tell him how you can help in achieving them. Try to gain the confidence of your new boss so that you can become his trustworthy advisor.
The human resources department in your company could be the best source of information regarding any M and A plans in your organisation. They can give you an inside view of how things could change for employees and the changes that will take place in job roles and descriptions. This will help you be prepared for them.
If there is the issue of relocation, ensure that you inform the management of your relocation preferences so that there is no future misunderstanding. If the merger means a change in job profile or responsibilities or even a layoff it is better to be mentally prepared for it. In case of a relocation, consider your personal limitations, your spouse's job, children's education or even health factors could be at stake if you decide to relocate.
A clever move to survive the merger would be to gather as much information as possible about the company that has taken over. Find out how it has dealt with mergers in the past and its treatment of employees of the acquired company. You can find such information on the company website and the Internet. Such information will help you plan your course of action.
In the new setup be willing to shoulder new responsibilities and show initiative to lead. This will put you in a favourable light under the new management and also help you develop new skills. It is better to be up to date on the latest trends in your industry. Taking up a specialised course to further hone you skills will give you an edge over others in your field.
If the merger demands that you look for a new job, get into action immediately- update your resume, connect with your network of people who can help you find another job. You could also take the help of recruiters and placement agencies in your job search.
The time of a merger can be trying for every employee in the company, be careful in your relationship with your colleagues and people at the top. Maintain congenial relations and avoid conflicts with your boss or co-workers. This is also the time for layoffs or change in job profiles, you could survive the onslaught of change, but others may not. Show empathy and understanding to colleagues who are not so lucky and offer your encouragement and advice to them.
When you excel in your job, any merger or acquisition plan should hardly affect you because your employee whether old or new will appreciate the value of your work and will only be too glad to retain you. With corporates keen on expansion, M and A's will only increase but if you are prepared for the change then nothing can stop you from excelling in your career.
HEMA GOPALAKRISHNAN
faqs@cnkonline.com
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