Mergers & Acquisitions – The Integration Impact On Employees.
A simple guide to helping individuals and teams survive and thrive.
It seems to be a daily event to hear about another company that has either completed an acquisition or merger. The result of such deals can be disruptive and stressful for those keeping the ship afloat at all levels of the organization. On a business level, these transactions are often fraught with uncertainty and doubt, as change can be unsettling. This uncertainty is ever more present and invasive in the minds of company employees. It’s human nature to fixate on the things we can’t control rather than what we can. I have learned from personal experience that this can be an opportunity for personal and professional growth. That’s a message that can and should be shared as part of the early communication process.
Keep the Big Picture in Mind.
Look beyond what it takes to get the job done.
It’s important to remember and understand how the entire organization works and what your fellow team member is dealing with. Be the first to stand in line and take ownership or support efforts underway. We live our lives in three time-frames: past, present, and future. Think of the past as the foundation you’ve built—the future as a blueprint to create opportunities. The present is the here and now work you need to get done. Understand and acknowledge the past as effective in building upon that foundation. It is incredible how many times we begin to create anew without first establishing a broader context for our actions. For future success, have a clear understanding of the organization’s mission, goal, and vision. We need to all see the structure of the future as our guide to completing the present work. Acknowledge where we’ve come from and together agree where we want to be in the future from a culture, values, and work ethic perspective.
Brand awareness and recognition are the key ingredients to creating real brand value. Build your brand story and ensure that its true essence resonates through all marketing and communication channels.
If you stay true to your brand, you can provide a direct and clear image for your target audiences. Your brand should consistently reflect the company’s values and commitment to quality in all its offerings. In doing this, you will create a strong and lasting impression on your customers and investors while securing investment for future growth opportunities.
Remember – there are a Few ‘Right’ Answers”.
Develop a tolerance for ambiguity (at least for the short-term).
The world is not black and white. Our goal is to take as much ambiguity/uncertainty out of the equation wherever possible, but let’s face it…there is a tremendous amount of clutter that must get cleared away. We can do it methodically, one shovelful at a time, or we can bulldoze our way through by making a wide path. Take to heart the adage, move 80% of the ‘best’ rather than 100% of the ‘right,’ to see past the clutter. In other words, don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Continue to be productive, push ideas to the forefront, and work through issues that arise. Who knows, this might be the best thing that ever happened.
Take Time to Get to Know Each Other.
Step up and use your strengths.
We all have strengths and weaknesses. Bring out each other’s best side by combining one’s strengths, so they complement one another. Since no one person possesses all the skills needed to successfully drive an organization, work together as a “TEAM” to blend the best of the best (this is no small matter). It is a mistake to assume we will all arrive at the same conclusions. We each have unique thought processes. Even if we manage to reach the same conclusion, we likely reached it from different perspectives. Strive to understand each other’s work styles and discover new ways to work effectively together.
Seems like an impossible task? Think again. Like all good things in life, it takes time, planning, focus, and dedication. And with the proper attention and nurturing, the improbable becomes possible.
You are Responsible for your Feelings and Actions.
We ultimately control our attitudes, feelings, and viewpoints.
There will undoubtedly be a lot of “attitudes,” “feelings,” and “viewpoints” as two organizations come together. Examine and ensure the actions taken are advancing the organization’s success. Take responsibility for how you act or react to situations. Put the past behind. Take along with you’ lessons learned’ and work with one another toward a new future.
