Managing Staff Changes

Staff turnover and changes in staff positions are inevitable.  How you manage those changes can be the difference between a successful transition and a rocky start for the employee.  It can also mean the success or failure of projects, initiatives and strategic goals.  While you’re working through the usual new employee and/or new position transition details, think about how your consultant relationships come into play.
 
All too often projects die or are negatively impacted by a staff change.  It’s not enough to have a project charter that states the risk factor of a staff change – both the client and the consultant need to work together to manage the change.
 
Here are some items to consider to set you off on the right track:

1. Make a list of all outside consultants and third party vendors with whom the new staff person will need to work.
2. For each consultant and vendor, list all recent past, current and future projects.
3. Who is the primary contact at the consultant and/or vendor?
4. Are there regularly scheduled check-ins? If so, make sure the new staff person has been invited.
5. Schedule a “kick off” call with each consultant and vendor to introduce the new staff person and talk about current and future projects and goals.  Make sure the parties understand how the relationship is structured.  Some consultants are retainer-based, some project-based.  This is an important distinction – if the expectations are misaligned, budgets could be severely impacted.
6. Provide the new staff person with enough information to understand current goals for the position and the department.  He/she should be able to communicate how these goals align with existing consultant and vendor relationships.  (This can also help staff understand what additional relationships might be needed).
7. Have your consultant or vendor help in any way they can – make sure they’re part of the conversation and can support the transition for minimal impact.

Change is exciting and usually positive.  When handled with care, consideration and keen attention to communication, change can support the achievement of goals and the long term success of staff and your projects.