Interview: Should you honour the decisions of previous leadership? Written by Annie Makoff-Clark Tuesday 05 September 2023 Share Share to LinkedIn Share to Facebook Share via email Dr Victoria Carr CMgr MCMI had to overturn nearly every policy, system and process put in place by previous leadership to ensure the future success of her school. But when, and how, should you overturn decisions made by your predecessors? Last year employees at California-based insurer Farmers Group were told they could work remotely on a permanent basis. Barely a year later, the company’s new CEO, Raul Vargas, completely reversed the policy, calling everyone back to the office at least three days a week. This is just one example of how any manager starting a new role can expect to face some big decisions. The reversal faced significant backlash, not least from those employees who had made major life changes as a result of the initial policy – selling their homes and moving to different US states. Vargas insists the reversal was to improve “collaboration, creativity and innovation” – but as a leadership decision affecting nearly 60% of the workforce, it could have significant implications on employee engagement, morale and brand reputation. It’s a cautionary tale for any new leader or manager considering making radical changes to previous policy. It also brings up a question about whether incoming managers and leaders should honour to the decisions of previous leadership – a situation that Dr Victoria Carr CMgr MCMI knows all too well. Learn when it’s okay to U-turn on the decisions of previous leadership Login or register below for Free Instant Access Login If you are already registered as a CMI Friend, Subscriber or Member, just login to view this article. Confirm your registration Login below to confirm your details and access this article. Sign in with email Email remember me remember Forget? Please confirm that you want to switch off the "Sign in with email" remember me feature. Yes No Register for Free Access Not yet a Member, Subscriber or Friend? Register as a CMI Friend for free, and get access to this and many other exclusive resources, as well as weekly updates straight to your inbox. You have successfully registered As a CMI Friend, you now have access to whole range of CMI Friendship benefits. Please login to the left to confirm your registration and access the article. Interview At CMI, we’re hugely privileged to have contributed to many people’s management and leadership journeys. Take a look back at some of the people we’ve interviewed for some top tips and exclusive insight. Members See More CMI Members have access to thousands of online learning and CPD resources. Learn more about our membership benefits Join The Community CMI offers a variety of flexible membership solutions, tailored to your needs. Find out more and get involved in the CMI community today.
