I found out last week that my company is going through a complete reorg, and I am being demoted from a team leader of a fairly large team with many direct reports, to an individual contributor on a team with the same people I managed previously.

31 Comments

1. AnonymousMay 15,2024 at 1:46AM UTC

   I'm sorry to hear that!!
   Did they say why you were demoted??

   My only positive from this is that as individual contributor (I'm one), the only responsibility is me. This way if the place goes downhill, you can buy time to get your ducks in a row and plan a new chapter.

   Hugs, it WILL work out!!

2. AnonymousMay 15,2024 at 2:42AM UTC

   You focus on being the best version of you.
   That means you build an amazing life. You don't look to your job as your identity. You invest in your interests, passions and hobbies. If you don't have any then get some. If you are dedicated to your family then do that in addition to expanding you. If you want to stay put at your company, then be great and deliver your best work but navigate like a pro. Don't invest in tunnel vision. The way to be proud and lead with a well rounded contribution is to be that person who walks the walk. Live dynamic and with purpose in your whole life not just your career.

3. AnonymousMay 15,2024 at 3:10AM UTC

   I'm not the OP, but I love this- NEEDED it!! Eloquently spoken- thank you-

4. Cassie SpencerMay 15,2024 at 11:13AM UTC

   There's a lot of great advice here that I would echo and I'll add, give yourself a little time grieve this - anytime things happen out of our control that leads to those not so fun feelings giving yourself time to feel the feelings and to process is important. Once you've given yourself a little time, I agree with others - focus on being your best self, focus on being the best individual contributor that you can. Remember that you can still be a leader even without the title and in my opinion, some of the very best leaders are the ones who step up in times like this. If at any point you decide to job search know that you can and you can look at roles that would allow you to lead a team formally again!

5. P I.May 15,2024 at 6:00PM UTC

   This happened to my former manager.
   Her manager made her announce her demotion to the team. Humiliating yes, but after everything was settled and the gossip period was over, no one really cared. She stayed at the company for 7 additional years, and thrived in the "demoted" role.

   Totally understand your feelings, but your job doesn't define you. Remove the emotion and continue to collect your checks. Everything else is a distraction.

6. AnonymousMay 17,2024 at 12:20AM UTC

   LOL, this is happening to me now. The sad part is that they are eliminating my role, but giving me an individual contributor role under someone I hired several years ago who moved to another department. Talk about strange situation. I am playing the political game now until I find another job outside. It is hard, but I just remember that I am doing this for my family. I think they want me to quit, but don't want to give me a package. This is after a reorg with new boss. Typical.

7. AnonymousMay 17,2024 at 12:15PM UTC

   Isn’t this constructive dismissal?

8. AnonymousMay 17,2024 at 12:31PM UTC

   I have been on both sides of this situation. There may be many different factors coming into play. I would hold out, it may not have anything to really do with you and your performance but a larger play by the company. It can be so many things and I think the one thing we all know is in the corporate setting it can all change again quickly so unless you find something outside you LOVE and pays the same I would just hang tight.

9. GirlBossanova934974May 17,2024 at 12:31PM UTC

   This is something which Corporate America has done for a long time. I saw this myself first hand over 25 years ago. "Company Going Through a Complete Reorg"? TRANSLATION? A new management team has arrived and they are replacing the current management with their PALS, CHUMS, and former COWORKERS from OTHER companies. Nothing personal here. It is called NEPOTISM in higher end circles. The best strategy? Put up with it as long as you have to AND be on your way to the next employer ASAP! These folks are showing you where their loyalties are and you should be showing them the same thing. You should have no issue explaining this to the next employer. Experienced managers have seen this a few times and understand how CRONYISM works.....

10. AnonymousMay 17,2024 at 12:32PM UTC

    This happened to me years ago and I found an opportunity when I was shifted to an open role and questioned why certain activities were not being done (legal requirements) and that manager had me essentially create my own role. Don’t give up, go in and get the work done. I would definitely seek out new opportunities outside of the company, as well. I am sure your skillset is valued there!

11. AnonymousMay 17,2024 at 12:38PM UTC

    Definitely look to leave. If only because being demoralized will mean being demotivated in the job. But also because you likely don't deserve to be demoted.

12. Colleen HansonMay 17,2024 at 1:29PM UTC

    I went through this several years ago. I had been in my role with the company for 2 years when the company decided to relocate and reorganize. They had purchased a large building in a pricey area and immediately started laying off employees to "cut costs" in order to afford the new building. I got moved to a completely different role where I would be the Administrative Assistant for 4 different departments. This was a far cry from the Paralegal position I held with the legal department; which was eliminated altogether and still desperately needed so I was still doing all of my previous duties, without the title, as well as the admin work for 4 additional departments. When it came time for my annual review I was told that I had "capped out" the pay for my job title and would therefore not be receiving any further raises as I made more than the company's other admins already. So, I was still doing all of the Paralegal work, without the title, as well as taking on additional work from 4 other departments, with no additional pay. It was their way of "demoting" my job title so that they would not have to pay me more. As other employees who got "reorganized" and overworked started to leave I was also given their job duties. By the time my next annual review came around I pointed out that I had now taken over the responsibilities of 3 people who had left, as well as continuing the admin duties for 4 additional departments and still working in a Paralegal capacity only to be told again that my current job title did not warrant any additional pay as I was still "capped out". I started looking for a new position and left shortly afterwards. A year after I left, the company ended up having to be sold, or face bankruptcy. Over half of the current employees were let go and replaced with the new buyers own employees. If I were you I would start looking for a new position elsewhere.

13. maria roseMay 18,2024 at 1:31PM UTC

    Agree with this assessment, it is not you or your performance that is the issue here, it’s the company downsizing on its way to closing down the entire company. Unless you can afford to quit financially, bear with me situation ( to get your paycheck and look for another position)

14. RoseannMay 17,2024 at 2:31PM UTC

    Hello-I am sorry you are going through this right now. I do know how you feel because I went through the same thing at a company that I was with for 16 years. Although I was able to keep my same pay, I lost my bonus %. I did take it on the chin but it was at that time I realized it was best for me to look for another job. Until I left, I held my head high and acted like it didn't bother me although it felt like a slap to the face. You need to do what is best for you and your emotional well being. I chose to leave. You may want to see if there is anything else out there for you.

15. AnonymousMay 17,2024 at 5:25PM UTC

    Was this communicated to you privately?
    Or in a group setting? Have you asked for the why of it? You should! As it will affect your tenure there and clearly cause some concern about your ability to lead with the folks you formerly managed I would suggest you get to the bottom of the why if you can. Be positive about it but honest that you want to know if there was something you did to cause this change. As for how to deal with it, do it quietly and with your head held high and dignity and don't discuss it in any depth with any of your former reports, even if and when you learn the why. You should however if you can sit them down and let them know that you support this shift in the org structure and are still there to support them in whatever way they need you to be. If you cannot maintain this composure the only other option is to look for something else, somewhere else. One thing for sure, do not change your linkedin title at all, as you may need that to look around and you don't want to explain away the why to outsiders instead you can share leadership changes making you want to leave.

16. Mary PoolMay 19,2024 at 1:06PM UTC

    Great insight. A company I worked with just had a reorganization, and the 2nd level manager was told in the meeting with everyone else she was being demoted. She sent out a really nice memo, explaining that she also did not know before the meeting and how she would miss everyone. She dealt with this with grace and dignity. It made management look awful. Plus, it sent up a warning flag to the rest of the team about the type of management team they were being transitioned into.

17. Lisa MarieMay 18,2024 at 12:28PM UTC

    One additional point that I don’t see anyone has addressed, is the concept of flattening the hierarchy. It’s something that consultants like to see because it’s supposedly more agile but it’s not for everyone and every department. It dilutes the 1:1 time anyone has for mentoring and guidance, and not every person can be empowered to make decisions. If this restructuring is coming from that perspective, I would be very wary of management’s expectations because you’ll still be functionally leading without being compensated or recognized.

18. AnonymousMay 18,2024 at 12:53PM UTC

    Are you getting paid the same? If so, you’ve now lessened your workload. Do not continue to act as a leader. Do your job and that’s it. Start looking as well.

19. AnonymousMay 18,2024 at 12:54PM UTC

    Good news first-“they” must think you do a very good job at the job! Enough to keep you on after the reorg. They may not need the extra supervisory level. Hold your head up and move on. Future opportunities may arise.

20. Cynthia TrivellaMay 18,2024 at 3:24PM UTC

    One thing to be very cognizant of is how your former direct reports will adjust. If you were an approachable and hands-on leader, they may still come to you for help and advice. For you to protect your mental wellbeing and not perform work for which you are not being paid, you’ll need to draw the line in the sand.

    Unfortunately, a change of this nature is a workplace culture crusher and is likely going to be tough on all of you.

    Look to the future and stay confident in your value and mindful of your mental wellbeing. I wish you all the best.

21. AnonymousMay 19,2024 at 12:23AM UTC

    Sorry you are going through this. I went through something similar. For me it was the start to get rid of me (personality conflicts - new leaders didn’t like that I stood up for others when they couldn’t themselves)

    I actually had a very successful team with no turnover. But once they “reorganized” , they targeted me, harassed me and tried to get me to quit or fire me. Being that they could not find or document any proof that would justify a legal termination and I passed everything they threw at me even the most ridiculous PIP… They then went with a “position elimination”

    position elimination= laid off = severence. And to be honest. My stress level went down after.

    this is not to say that this is your companies intent with you. But be attentive and document everything.

22. Mary PoolMay 19,2024 at 12:54PM UTC

    First of all, let me say this sucks. You are receiving some great advice here. I want to second and third, that you must set firm boundaries. The old position is no longer yours. Practice saying something like: “I am no longer in that position. You must speak to xyz about this.” If there is no xyz to speak to, send them up the chain of command. In my experience, there are usually three reasons behind a move like this. The first is management thinks the individual's talents are wasted in the management position; they have more value as an individual contributor. I am currently working with someone who this happened to recently. She is more valuable and content in her new position. Her contributions to the team have been tremendous. The second is that management believes the person was an ineffective manager or the team's objectives were not being met; however, they are still a valued employee, thus the sideways movement. Not everyone is cut out to be a manager, and that is okay. The third is they want to eliminate the employee and hope they will transition out. In your heart of hearts, you know which category you fall into. Plan accordingly.

    Whatever path you decide, remember this: Stay positive, and talk about the new position with excitement (no matter how you feel). It is a tough, really tough job market out there (I don’t care what the news says), so protect yourself until you have a transition plan in place (whether it be staying or leaving).

23. Kim GreenMay 19,2024 at 8:25PM UTC

    There's also category 4. This has nothing to do with you and everything to do with the new person they are making the lead. They may be trying out a new direction, or have personal / relationship / politics involved.

24. AnonymousMay 19,2024 at 2:59PM UTC

    I have an employee who is in a similar position and we went from colleagues to her being my manager, to me being her manager. She had two direct reports, one was promoted and we moved the other under a different manager in the team. This was because it made more sense in that her work aligned more closely with the other manager. Also, when she was a people leader, she felt ineffective because a new project had her swamped and she was stressed by that. She is an IC now and much happier and even more valuable in this role because she can focus on her projects.

25. AnonymousMay 19,2024 at 4:29PM UTC

    I've had this happen and unfortunately, it isn't a good move.

    It confuses the boundaries of who to go to, and also you can get used very easily.

    If you're a good leader, people will want to still come to you, and that could seem like undermining the new boss.

    It also puts you in a position to be a target, or for people to gossip about you in ways that could be damaging about why you were demoted.

    Once you get into your new IC position, you won't be responsible for the same things, but people will try to make you do them anyways because you know what you're doing, and that's a problem.

    Speaking from experience, I tried to stay when this happened to me, and it did not turn out well. I was a better boss and just better at the job in general than the new manager. It made people come to me instead of her, and then she'd try to defer to me on things she didn't want to handle. As I no longer had authority, I couldn't execute, and it ruffled a lot of feather on other teams both because they liked me, and because I wasn't in the position to making those asks anymore. It became a big problem.

    When I put in my notice, this new manager wouldn't accept it.

    She had a sit down with me 3 times asking if I was really leaving or not and kept asking 'are you sure'? She even brought me to HR and kept asking.When I refused to rescind, saying I just wanted to finish my two weeks in peace, they walked me out.

    It can get ugly, and if I were you, I'd bring this up to your management and bring your concerns. See if you can hold a position of authority, and not go to be an IC.

    The only other option is to leave.Rarely are these places making these decisions that will allow you to be an IC in peace.

26. AnonymousMay 19,2024 at 9:58PM UTC

    I managed a staff of four when something like this happened. Two of my people quit because they didn't want to work for our new boss, who just so happened to be one of my four reports. I was out sick in the hospital for two days and upon returning home I saw that I had been fired via text message.

27. AnonymousMay 20,2024 at 12:41PM UTC

    I'm sorry this is happening to you. But I think it's entirely possible to navigate this situation and stay put. And, it sounds like you want to do that.Firstly, I want you to look hard at yourself and your "feeling deeply embarassed". Why do you feel that way? get real with yourself. Are you concerned about what people think? Because you shouldn't be. Typically, "being embarassed" is a feeling we get when we've done something WRONG, but from your description, you've done nothing wrong- this is simply a corporate reorganization. So, put your chin up. Know your own worth, and press on. Now, the feeling of being demoralized is something different entirely- and could truly be justified. Were you demoted because you lack certain credentials, or educational levels, that the new corporate structure requires?? (you did not say or share with us here). Or is this just a random "reshuffling" of staff and you got demoted (under the guise of reorganization)..?? In any case, there isn't much for you to do right now except to remain positive as a contributor on your team. Chin up- Time will tell whether this move was a good one for you or for the company. But thinking it's time to apply for a new job isn't now- There are many unknowns here. Biggest point I want to make is to forget being "embarassed". It's a crappy situation, but you might learn that you love NOT leading a team any longer. Who knows?

28. AnonymousMay 20,2024 at 1:23PM UTC

    This sucks but if they are keeping your salary the same WITHOUT the added stress of being a people manager, I'd say that is a WIN. Try to look at it differently, in todays climate having a job and a paycheck are crazy hard to get - I was on the job hunt for over a year after laid off in late 2022 and let me tell you it isn't a fun place so if you are being kept at your current company that is great and I don't think they can reasonable demote you salary wise so getting less responsibilities is actually just fine in my book lol. See it as glass half full less than empty.

29. AnonymousMay 20,2024 at 2:01PM UTC

    I went through this once and it stinks, but! Keep your head up, do great work, and lean forward, ask how you can help out the person in charge, your teammates, etc any time you have free time. Stay classy. I did this when it happened to me and I took over when the new boss left for another position in the company.

    prove you’re invaluable, and that you know a lot and are willing to share your knowledge. If it’s not panning out after you give it time and you still feel demoralized, then look for something else, or have a chat with the boss. (Or both!)

30. AnonymousMay 20,2024 at 4:31PM UTC

    So long as they didn't change your salary, you should just roll with it.
    It's just a company reorg. So there is no need to be embarrassed. You can always quit if you don't like it and go back for a title if you need/want it. Just be happy you didn't get laid off like me. I haven't been able to find a job since November. I much prefer your company's option!

31. Wanda ShawMay 22,2024 at 2:17AM UTC

    Yes, it’s discouraging and demoralizing to experience a professional setback like this. But you could either choose to leverage this situation and use it to your advantage showcasing the skills you’ve acquired, making it a goal to be a top contributor, or you could bemoan your lot and focus on all that you’ve lost, be so depressed and negative that you become ineffective and unproductive. The choice is yours.