While starting a new job means learning the ropes1 at an unfamiliar place, for those faced with a sudden role shift within the same company, the move can be even trickier. It’s
happening more these days as companies downsize. Whether you are moving from one internal job to another or suddenly answering to a new boss, you need to take steps to avoid the pitfalls of office politics2 and work overload.
• Talk it out. When moving from one job to another or transitioning between bosses and departments you can easily get stuck with twice the work. You might be eager to start the new job, but who will take over your old role? What will your new job responsibilities entail? If you’re asked to take on work in addition to what you do now, ask for a priority list and find out who you will report to for the new responsibilities.
• Understand the new rules. Just because you are still in the same company, doesn’t mean you will be playing by the same rules. Take the time to learn how things operate in your new work situation. Do not say “It’s easy to think, I know the company, and I’ve been here for 20 years”. It’s really important not to assume that it’s the same. While you handed in monthly reports and held monthly meetings in your old job, a new manager may expect
you to report your progress weekly or meet more frequently. Be sure to ask about these details early on. And talk to colleagues about the particulars of the departmental culture.
• Stay open. Reorganization usually leads to angst and fear among employees, whether it’s a
favorite co-worker whose place you’ll be taking or former peers who now report to you. You’ll be bringing whatever old baggage you have and dealing with the worries of new colleagues. Don’t be surprised by push-back from co-workers who may see your new role as a threat. Be open with your colleagues about your role and how it fits into the group.
• Learn to let go. Consider in advance what might happen if you’re needed back in the old
job—even temporarily. Will your new manager be on board with the idea? Can other colleagues
or outside consultants help if a crisis hits and your hands are full? Make sure you run interference for yourself, and plan for the unexpected.
• Manage your relationships. While you may have a new set of colleagues, preserving
relationships with old co-workers and managers is important, particularly in such a volatile work environment. But stop by to invite a former boss to coffee. There’s so much reorganization. You might end up back with those people.

换一份新工作意味着你要在陌生的环境里摸索前行，而对于那些未更换公司，只是职责突然转变的雇
员来说，情况则更为棘手。现今在公司纷纷裁员的大背景下，此情况越加频发。无论你是在内部调换岗位，还是接受新老板的制辖，你都需要采取措施避免陷入办公室政治或超负荷工作。
★及时与上司沟通。当岗位轮换，或上司和部门变化时，你很容易被双倍工作压得不知所措。也许你渴望开始新工作，那么谁来接手你以前的职务呢？你的新工作需要你承担哪些责任？如果你被要求在现有工作之外额外承担任务，索要一张管理优先级名单，找出你应该向谁汇报你的新工作。
★熟悉新制度。你还在同一家公司工作，并不代表你要受原有制度管辖。花些时间领会在你新的工作岗位
上事务是如何运转的。一定不要说：“这太容易理解了，我十分了解这家公司，我在这里工作了二十年
了”。很重要的一点是，不能臆断一切停滞不前，墨守陈规。在旧的岗位上，也许你每月提交一次总结，每月参加一次例会。但新上司可能期望你每周总结工作进展或更频繁地开会。确保尽早询问相关细节，并与你的同僚探讨部门文化的细则。
★开诚布公地与同事交流。改组重整通常会在雇员中造成焦虑和恐惧情绪。不论你将要接手你最喜爱的
同伴的职位，还是过去的同事现在要向你汇报工作，你应该勇于承担“旧包袱”，并消除新同事心里的担忧。对于同事的拖后腿行为不要感到诧异，他们很可能视你的新角色为眼中钉。你应该开诚布公地与同僚探讨你的新角色以及如何与团队配合。
★对意外情况进行提前准备。事先思考如果公司需要你重新回到旧岗位上——哪怕只是暂时，会发生什么
事呢？你的新上司能接受这个主意吗？其他同事或外聘顾问会不会在危机来袭或你手头压满工作时伸出援助之手？确保你能给自己提供“万全之策”，并对意外情况有所准备。
★保持人际交往。也许与你共事的同僚换了其他人，但保持与你旧同事和旧上司的联系十分重要，特别是
在这种易变的工作环境下。但不要再邀请以前的上司一起喝咖啡。公司人员整顿重组太常见了，也许最终你会再与“老人们”共事。