This is post two in a three-part series about changes in your team’s leadership. In the first post, I talked about the decision to vie for your boss’ job and how to behave while you’re in the running. This post is for the folks who aren’t interested in the job but do need to survive the running of the bulls going on around them. The third post helps everyone on the team prepare before the new leader starts.
So, you find yourself on a team with an imminent change in leadership. Some of your colleagues are probably pretty overt about their interest in the job, while others are playing their cards close to their chest. You’re dealing with a lot of different motives and strategies, and that’s coping with the people vying for the job. There’s also HR, your current boss, and the boss’s boss scoping out the potential successors. That’s a lot of judging and evaluating going on. It’s safe to assume there are going to be some interesting dynamics.
What to Expect When Your Team is Getting a New Leader
You can probably expect to see a low-budget Carmen play out before your very eyes. Don’t be surprised if you witness any of the following scenarios…
- One or more succession candidates are showboating or otherwise prancing around like a peacock showing off their feathers. Expect a little (or a lot) of self-aggrandizement, and don’t take it personally if the rest of the team is getting less than your share of the credit. Egos are in full bloom…beware.
- One candidate secretly tries to enlist you as a supporter in a clandestine Survivor-type alliance. They never miss an opportunity to butter you up and are cloyingly sweet in your presence. You no longer trust anything they say because it’s so clearly aimed at getting you onside. Not that you have any influence on the decision!
- Not a whole lot of work getting done. It’s amazing how much energy goes into the selection process. The people vying for the role are highly distracted. Everyone else is immobilized by the uncertainty about whether to treat the departing leader as a lame duck or not.
- The departing leader is behaving strangely. Maybe moving on was their idea, maybe not. Maybe they’re having second thoughts. Perhaps they’re a little too invested in their favorite protégé being the replacement. For whatever reason, if there’s a period of transition for your current leader, don’t be surprised if their behavior is a little wonky.
When Your Colleagues are Vying For Your Boss’ Job
It’s tempting to get comfy and enjoy the show, but don’t fall for it. Instead, do the following:
- Stay focused on the task at hand; somebody has to. Where appropriate, send signals that others should do the same. Little quips such as “ok, what’s next on our agenda?” or “Back at it,” can be a nice way to break up a chatting session that has gone on a little too long. This might even be a good time to take advantage of your company’s flexible work policies to work a day or two a week from home.
- Clarify with your team leader which decisions can be made and which should wait for the new leader. Until they officially leave the role, assume that you’re following their lead. Don’t be presumptuous about who might be your next boss.
- Stay neutral about the succession decision. If one or more of the candidates ask for your support, tell them it’s not your decision to make.
- Shut down any gossip you hear about the selection process. “At this point, that’s just speculation; we’ll have to wait and see.” If someone continues engaging you in salacious musings, just say you have to get back to work and walk away.
- Provide candid feedback to anyone who asks for it. If one of the candidates asks for your opinion on their strengths or weaknesses, answer them honestly. If they genuinely want to work on developing their skills, provide coaching and support.
There are so many mistakes you can make during this politically sensitive time. Take the high road and demonstrate your integrity and value to any future leader.