Taking over a new team?

Question

Hi

I am taking responsibility for a department with 12 staff on Monday. Morale is really low, people are openly talking about going to interviews and how unhappy they are

They were suject to a hostile takeover at the end of last year. I am from the acquiring company.

ANy tips on how to win them over. I need some people to stay as I will be struggling without them.

Answer 1

Have a word with the Financial controller and see if he will allow you take the staff on a night out.  Go for a few drinks with them and break the ice.  This should give you feedback about where they want to go in their careers.  It also gives you a chance to talk with them and tell them how much they would be appreciated.

Answer 2

You want the hard nosed truth? tell them theres the door you know where it is not happy then leave.  I had something similar said to me by a trouble shooter sent in by the DED (department of economic development) they sunk a few million in and expected us to increase the output for the same wages, this edict was by a governmental department paid for by our taxes.  This trouble shooter said "if your on the bus and want of at the next stop let me know"  in other words we cant work with you if you cant work for us!  You have a job to do, no time for belly aching just start making cuts.  Pick out the weakest worker and sack them legally of course it will put the fear of god into the rest of them.  I've been laid off let me see  ah yes 7 times in the last 2 years, and I'm the best god d**n worker they ever had.  I was a patsie if they could lay off their best worker it was a warning to the others to buck-up.