Would be interested in hearing from other Exec. Assts. who have survived sale of their company, change of ownership, change in executive management and are now working for the new company/management..........any tips on how best to position yourself as someone worth "keeping" in a transition like this?
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I agree wholeheartedly with the other replies on this topic. It is beyond difficult with mergers and/or management change. The easiest road is probably one of resistance but it really won't work in the end. Try to make your work "known". If your duties become minimalized, volunteer and be positive! Learn what you can. Offer to take training. It will make you more marketable and if it doesn't work out in the end, you'll walk away with more knowlege than when you started. A special thanks to Alverta's reply - it was a reinforcement call for me!
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Jeanner on
7/17/2009 2:16:58 PM
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A number of years ago I experienced the merger of two hospitals. I don't know what kind of business you are involved in, but I found the most valuable asset I had was historical knowledge of the company I worked with before the merger. In combining the two hospitals, management felt it very important to also merge the traditions of both cultures.
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Anonymous on
6/24/2009 12:12:09 PM
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I've been in this position more times than I can count. The things that have kept me employed at my current company is 1) the way I do my job for the "current" boss (in my organization, you would be surprised at what some Executive Assistants "will not do" because of their "title,") and 2) who I "KNOW."
Sometimes the old adage, "It's not what you know but who you know," pays off.
During the last merger and two subsequent reorganizations, I was either "transfered" to another department within the main organization, based on my "outgoing" bosses recommendation, or was "shifted" to a subsidiary because my then "current" boss called in a favor with another VP.
Lastly, to get back with the main organization, I applied for a job two steps below my then current job. When, after a few months back with the main company, the Admin to the VP left the company, I was promoted without having to apply (my current boss knew, and talked to, my last two bosses.)
Of course, If the performance wasn't there, I would not still be with my company. I've found you need to really network and volunteer to help whenever and wherever you can!
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Sharon Adams on
6/22/2009 3:28:03 PM
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My company (I call it a dysfunctional family type) was purchased by a huge pharmaceutical (I call it a dysfunctional corporation) company two years ago. Prior to the sale, my boss, who supported all my Admin membership endeavors was promoted, so was part of the integration team. The department I was in at the time of the purchase was disbanded and I went to newly formed department. It was kind of nice because I knew the VP of the new Department because I was his Admin in another life in the old company before the sale. After only 6 months, the big guns disbanded my new department and I went to another department where my boss was not only a VP of a Scientific Division, he was also the Site Head. By the way, of the 500 original employees, the purchaser kept only 65 and 35 of those have already left. Before, I could pick up the phone and call someone in Accounts Payable, Purchasing, even the President's office to solve a complex problem, now when AP is in Barcelona and everything else is decentralized I'm learning new ways of solving problems, by getting to know people who normally are not used to being contacted in person to solve a problem as well as staying in touch w/my old boss who is still moving up the ladder and was the one who made sure I was not "laid off." My new boss of 2 years is great. Since I can't have it the old way, I've learned let go and moved on. As a result I'm learning new things, taking Project Management course offered by the company and remaining flexible. With only 6 more years till I hope to retire, my best advice to you is find ways to release your frustration levels when they happen (I took salsa dancing lessons and yoga). It helps to have bosses who know your work ethic on the integration team too. Good luck. There's so much more, but I don't want to bore you. If you'd like more specifics, please feel free to email me and I will respond. V
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AlVerta Harty on
6/15/2009 1:16:24 PM
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Have been in the same situation; have to say, for me personally it was the best thing to happen to me. Learn what you can about the new company/new management ... do some research. Be flexible, be positive, and if you DO feel overwhelmed or overburdened in the beginning, don't let it show. You have skills, and most importantly, knowledge of the "old" company that will be useful ... offer them! Don't wait to be told how things are going to run, what systems you'll need to learn, what changes are going to take place ... ask first! Take the opportunity to be the "go to" person. The new company and executive team is transitioning also, so do what you can to smooth things over for them. Things have changed and complaining about them or being resistant to the changes will not change that fact. Good luck and I hope your future with the new company is as positive for you as mine was for me!
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Donna Chizek on
6/15/2009 1:13:01 PM
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Before our company was merged with another one, there were three changes in executive management. Now that the merge is behind us we've had changes twice in executive management! It is crazy but the way to survive is to be as flexible as possible. Do not be afraid to try the new software or do things according to the new company philosophy. Even though things may have been better done the old way, go ahead and show the new management that you can go with the flow. Most important! Do not gripe and the new way to do things! The gripers were the ones that were shown the door first. Keep asking to go to training seminars to learn the new databases etc. The more you know the more valuable you are. Good luck!
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Katherine Wallace on
6/15/2009 11:58:40 AM
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I have been in your position several times in the last 10 years. The best advice I received is to remain flexible and do whatever you can to help make the transition as smooth as possible.
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Dee Dee Heffernan on
6/15/2009 11:51:20 AM
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While I haven't been in a position such as yours, the hospital I work for has gone through some transitions - everyone's job was evaluated for maximum value. We were required to show a productivity report for a three month period- noting how much time each item/job required of us. I found it extremely helpful. The report made it VERY clear that I have enough to do on a daily basis to justify my hours and my pay. I think that this approach would be beneficial to you as well. Create a spreadsheet with all the jobs you do and how often it is required of you (monthly, weekly, daily, etc) and how long it takes (on average) to get the job done. Once management sees just how much you do you will be in a good place to plead your case for staying through the transition. Good luck to you!
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DeDe on
6/15/2009 11:46:48 AM
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I have survived the sale of our company. It was a rough transition, but I am still here. Do not panic!! Some positions will be eliminated, but others will be kept. If you are in an area of the company that they deem profitable, progressive you will have a better shot at retaining your position. Stay calm, be positive!!! Prepare your resume just in case, keep your options open. Be prepared to learn new systems and do whatever is asked of you!!!
Good luck,
Vickie O'Farrell
Executive Assistant
AT&T
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Vickie O'Farrell on
6/15/2009 11:38:17 AM
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