<<Back to "Ask Tammy" home page
Q&A: Weaning Your Old Team Away from Your Help
I’ve just taken a new job within my division. I was a regional sales director based out of NYC. My new role is head of training for the east coast. My successor is not based in NY, however the majority of the business for the region is out of NYC. I’m having a hard stepping away from my old position as my old team still comes to me with questions, the new person (with 15 years of tenure) is guilting me into helping out. How do I step away to focus on my new role without not looking like a team player and without looking like a jerk
Many thanks in advance for any assistance here.
Bob
Hi Bob,
I hope the situtaion is easing a bit over time.
The strategy I’d suggest is that you look for ways to reposition yourself in the eyes of your former colleagues by discussing, or otherwise making evident, the new work you’re doing. It’s much easier to say that you’re not able to help if it’s in the context of other work that must be done. Perhaps out-of-office messages that state that you’re out all week at a training program? Or an email to your old team asking their input on a new course you’re designing? Any way you can politely remind them that you have a full commitment to your new responsibilities should help reduce the number of times they turn to you.
Best wishes for success in your new role.
Warmly,
Tammy
Filed under: Leadership | Published: 01/15/11
Ask a question
Facing a career decision? Puzzled by a co-worker’s point of view? Struggling with a specific workplace dilemma? Looking for ways to improving engagement, collaboration, or innovation within your organization? Wanting to learn more about something I said in one of my books? I’ll do my best to offer some suggestions, if you “Ask Tammy.”
All fields required.
