How to Respond as a Professional During a Merger
Mergers and acquisitions are valid strategies for growing corporations, but they are incredibly stressful for managers and employees. If you’ve worked for any company while it’s gone through a merger, you’ve had to get used to new management styles and expectations on top of an increased workload, and that’s assuming that you’ll be able to keep your job in the changing environment. It’s a disruptive headache for everyone involved, but you need to know how to weather the changes and handle things like a professional.
Assessing the Situation
When you find out that your employer is merging with another company, the first thing to do is to assess the situation. Find out as much about the other company as you can and what might be expected of you once all is said and done. Assess your strengths to see how they will benefit you and your merged companies, as well as your weaknesses to see how they might be liabilities. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses in the workplace, so that you will be no different from anyone else involved in the merger. The merger might also turn out to be a positive thing for you if there are new opportunities for advancement in your career, so keep an eye out for this as well.
Remaining Calm and Respectful
The other part of handling a merger as a professional is being as calm and respectful as possible. You’ll most likely have new managers and coworkers, and their work styles may be different from what you’ve been used to. Continue to treat everyone with professionalism, and keep an open mind as things change. If you’re in a position of authority, be willing to step up and provide your expertise. If it looks like you might be losing your position in the merger, be ready to exit gracefully. You can and should be on good terms with your employer at all times. No matter what happens in the future, a good relationship with a former employer will always benefit you.
Mergers and acquisitions always give people feelings of uncertainty and chaos, but they are a part of the corporate world. Continue to act like a professional no matter what happens, and things should work out for you.
