Behind Closed Doors

Leading Your Team Through a Change in Priorities

Change is inevitable. Markets shift, customers leave, and new deals cause changes in direction. The more visibility you have into current work, the easier it is to adapt to changes.

Replace rumors with facts.

When you hear a rumor that could affect the work of your group, track it down. Don’t leave people to stew or replace the lack of information with their worst fears. As soon as you know the facts, tell your team, and lead the effort to adapt to the change.

Set your team’s expectations about how you will respond to the change.

Teams who are accustomed to “simple answers,” such as add bodies, work overtime, and multitask, are likely to fall into that pattern—unless you model another option. ...