JJASBE

Director, Solutions Sales

What would you do?

Quick Question:

You spend 3 weeks engaging with a particular hiring manager, build a solid rapport/relationship, including mutually agreed-upon expectations, and then come to a mutual 'yes' to the role.

On day 1 of your tenure, it is revealed that this particular HM is moving to a different division of the org, and is no longer your leader.

What do you do?

New Leader, Day 1

Attached poll

RUN!!! The job is now different than what you signed up for. Wait it out for a period of time to see how things shake out over time Suck it up and get to work, cupcake!

*Voting in this poll no longer yields commission.

👥 Hiring

17 comments

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BigCheese

Notorious Answer

Agency Recruiter

I don't think the thought of getting out already is a necessary reaction in this situation, as people moving does not default as a sign of a bad company/role, especially if they're staying with the company.

However, if they hinted at it being a subpar gig, then sure, keep your eyes open. I'd wait it out and continue searching/interviewing, but I don't see that as a red flag.

I recommend consistently searching/interviewing regardless, as there could always be better opportunities.

JJASBE

Catalyst

Director, Solutions Sales

"consistently searching/interviewing regardless..." yes to this, BigCheese.
My question then, would be while interviewing, how much weight should this story hold as I communicate the 'why' behind my search?

BigCheese

Notorious Answer

Agency Recruiter

I mean you always want to be honest and open in an interview, but you can still keep your cards close to your chest with some things.

I'd recommend saying something like that you enjoy your current role but you feel like you aren't able to reach your full potential or that you don't feel challenged or your talents aren't being maximized. Regardless of these statements being true or false, it shows the employer that yeah, you've currently got a job where you're chillin, but you're hungry, and you want to work harder. Shows initiative.

JJASBE

Catalyst

Director, Solutions Sales

Good advice, thanks!

BigCheese

Notorious Answer

Agency Recruiter

Hey no prob!

Smithy

Politicker

Director of Sales

It’s not a fantastic start but it allows you to have a conversation with the new boss and set your stall out

JJASBE

Catalyst

Director, Solutions Sales

I think that's good feedback, Smithy. What if there's a great departure in leadership styles between who I agreed to work for/with, and the new person?

Smithy

Politicker

Director of Sales

Tough situation in that case, although leadership styles are one thing, as long as the role stays the same you should be able to work around it.

how big of a pull was it to work for the leader who has moved depts?

JJASBE

Catalyst

Director, Solutions Sales

60/40 leader to all other variables.

slaydie

Big Shot

Account Executive

I'd wait it out and see. Definitely not the best way to start but you never know what happened on the backend with the hiring manager so I would try not to be too discouraged. You spent a lot of time interviewing and finding a mutual fit so I am sure there are other reasons why you took the role outside of the manager. Try it out and see how it goes. Hopefully it's great!

JJASBE

Catalyst

Director, Solutions Sales

In this case, 40% was company/product/ICP oriented, and a full 60% was based on the leader I'd be partnering with. I definitely understand your perspective, and think there's good merit there. I believe I'm willing to give it a 6-month look-see, but wondered how many folks would caution against even that.

slaydie

Big Shot

Account Executive

Totally fair! This really sucks, I'm so sorry this happened to you. It's a good lesson for all of us here because we all know how important managers are. I'm going to start asking my future manager what their plans are and how they envision their career over the next 6, 12, 24 months etc. I know not all will be honest but its worth a shot

JJASBE

Catalyst

Director, Solutions Sales

I think that's a great approach to take, Slaydie. I think in this situation, the HM had no idea they were about to be moved either. They did reach out to me after and apologize profusely stating that they're sorry I got screwed in that way.

slaydie

Big Shot

Account Executive

womp - I'm so sorry! Best of luck @JJASBE, I really hope it all works out for the best!

Nairobi

Politicker

This happened to me! I was recruited by this manager and agreed to come work with him. 2 days before I started, the guy left. I was thinking of not even starting the job because of that, but I gave it a try. Now, I'm still debating if I should leave or not lol

You never know, the role could still be good even without him/her.

JJASBE

Catalyst

Director, Solutions Sales

Wow, I'm sorry to hear that, Nairobi. It's so tough for me because as an org, the methodology/approach/philosophy of this particular leader was an anomaly. My agreement to work was heavily influenced by those conversations, and philosophical alignment. I guess I wonder a bit about how long should 'grin and bear it,' especially given my leadership style preference....
How long has it been for you since this happened?

MR.StretchISR

Politicker

ISR

I've bussed tables before. Same general rules apply for sales. Be polite, courteous, attentive, etc.

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JJASBE

What would you do?

New Leader, Day 1

17 comments

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