PROCEED WITH CAUTION

You approach an intersection as the light turns yellow. What’s your response?

A) Hit the gas to make it through before it turns red.

B) Tap the break and prepare to pause at the light while assessing oncoming traffic, checking your rearview mirror and maybe even gazing ahead for the travel conditions in front of you.

Recently I have experienced an increasing number of organizations in a similar situation with the departure of a key member of the Development team. Too often organizations hit the gas, plow through a caution light and try to fill that position as quickly as possible.

While the concern for a loss of momentum (and mounting workload) weighs heavily on the mindset of leaders, most often the better course is the alternative. Apply the breaks. Examine the landscape.

It’s a great time to slow down and ask:

• How are others in support/lateral roles stepping up during the absence? Can their jobs be re-evaluated?
• What have the results been in the past with this now-vacant position?
• Should we re-evaluate the skill set needed?
• Have the department’s needs changed? The organization’s?
• Is this an opportunity to make a significant change?

Include volunteers in the discussion. Their insight, as well as that of other employees who interact with the role, can provide you with information to help decide if it is time to change direction (or even the type of car).

A change in leadership, while it often causes frustration and fear, can provide an organization with time to hit pause, re-evaluate and potentially select a new road on which to travel forward.

We’ve helped a number of organizations during this transition time. Feel free to give us a call if you find yourself at this intersection.