New job, same firm: Learning the ropes

While starting a new job means learning the ropes at an unfamiliar place, for those faced with a sudden role shift within the same company, the move can be even trickier.

This is happening more and more these days as companies downsize and responsibilities shift. Whether you are moving from one internal job to another or suddenly answering to a new supervisor, Rick Brandon, author of "Survival of the Savvy," suggests steps you should take to avoid the pitfalls of office politics 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 Mr. Brandon advises sitting down with the old and new bosses together to reach an agreement about how the transition will be handled. Who will take over your old role? What will your new job responsibilities entail?
  
  
• 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. 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 initial 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 or role—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?
  
  
• 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. Stop by to say hello or invite a former boss to coffee.
  

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