Navigating Team Acquisition: A Guide for IT Professionals
When your team is acquired by another team in your organization, you might find yourself in a period of transition and uncertainty. This situation can bring challenges and opportunities, much like the story of an IT professional who faced a merger of teams focused on billing and scheduling systems. In this article, we'll explore the key aspects of such a situation and provide guidance to help you navigate these changes effectively.
The Ins and Outs of Team Transition
The authority that merged your team wasn't trying to push you out; rather, they sought to consolidate and control outcomes for the benefit of the organization. Change, especially when it's brought by a sense of urgency or necessity, can often feel uncomfortable and an intrusion into the comfort zone. However, it's important to view such changes as opportunities to grow and adapt, turning potentially ugly situations into beautiful outcomes.
Consider your options carefully. You might choose to stay, transfer to another team, or even explore finding a new job entirely. At a previous workplace, significant system changes were planned, including a transition from legacy systems (IDX, Meditech/Sorian) to a unified platform (Epic). The choices given to the IT/IS team members were:
Stay on the legacy systems, with employment ending shortly after Go Live. Transition to an equivalent Epic team, involving extensive training and meeting commitments. Leave the company entirely.Personal Challenges and Adaptations
The challenge faced by an IDX programmer was unique since there was no direct equivalent position within the new Epic team. After extensive thought and discussions, the decision was made to stay with the team. This required adapting to a new and unfamiliar environment with leaders and colleagues who had never worked together before. The individual took every training opportunity available, which has been crucial in overcoming the recertification process.
While not every situation will be as straightforward, it's essential to make the best of the given circumstances. Training, learning new skills, and being open to change are valuable strategies during such transitions. For tech enthusiasts, these periods can even be seen as a chance to dive into new technologies and processes.
Choosing the Right Path Forward
Deciding whether to stay, transfer, or leave should be based on a thorough analysis of what the new team offers and a weighing of the pros and cons. Each option has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Staying might provide stability and the opportunity to adapt to new systems, while a transfer could offer fresh challenges and different skills to learn. Quitting might be necessary if the new opportunities don't align with your career goals.
For the individual in this story, being asked by a manager from another team to recommend a programmer for his retiring colleague led to what they termed the 'best internal transfer ever.' By the time the organization transitioned to remote work, they had been transferred for almost a year. The team dynamic and the learning curve were challenging but ultimately enriching.
Reflect on what’s best for you within the context of the new team. Consider the alignment of your skills, the growth opportunities, and the long-term prospects. Move forward with a clear understanding of the path you're taking.
Conclusion
Team acquisitions can bring both challenges and opportunities. As an IT professional, navigating these transitions requires careful thought and strategic planning. Embrace the learning process and stay open to new experiences. With the right mindset, even the most challenging situations can lead to growth and development in your career.