Change in line management - questions to ask?

YBR

I just read an email (sent 2 weeks ago, but I've been on holiday) that "it has been proposed and agreed for [I and 5 others in the same role] to have a change in line management". This change will happen "over the coming weeks" so no date, but won't affect what I'm doing day-to-day or the project I work on.
I'm not against this - my current line manager has too many people under him and it's increasingly a problem that he hasn't time to line manage well. 
The new line manager is not based in the same office as me, in fact none of the affected people, which might make it more difficult.

I've been asked for any questions I(we) may have. Anything I should be thinking about?
Owing to the timing with my holiday, I've not as long to think about this as I would like.

Emmia

I'd ask about things like arrangements for 1-2-1 and team meetings, any expectation that you'll travel to meet them in person (or vice versa). 

What problems do you envisage? I'd ask questions about that with the mindset of seeking to avoid them.

I've been managed by someone in another location, and we had regular phone catch ups, and frequently travelled and worked in the two loocations - on average we'd be in the same office once a week (London to Bristol)

TELLIT01

A good line manager doesn't need to be in the same location as long as there are solid lines of communication in place.  Regular face-to-face meetings should be scheduled although they will probably be via Skype, Teams or some other video method which I personally hate.  You can't read body language as easily that way.

theoretica

Any chance you will be moved to the line manager's office? (would that be positive or negative for you? or the new manager to your's) Which teams do you collaborate with most - are they closer in the old or the new management structure, and if old will this change work patterns.  How far up the management chain does this go - will you have the same manager's manager - does that lead to any concerns for you about changes of priority etc?

cr1mson

I would make sure your questions are phrased in a positive manner. For example you may wish to know if they expect you to travel to meet your line manager however asking how will one to ones work on a practical basis sounds more positive than will U have to travel?

Bobbobbobingalong

Don’t overthink this, changes in line management happen and always will. If nothing in respect of what or how you do what you do is changing, just get on with it - in other words, don’t look for problems that don’t exist.

MalMonroe

Hopefully the line manager will actually hold a meeting with you all. I don't like the idea of sending in questions, as if you're doing an online interview.

Any good manager will want to hold a joint meeting and then meet with you all individually. That way, good bonds can be made. 

My first question would have to be - when will we be meeting with said line manager? 

YBR

@Bobbobbobingalong: you're right, I'm probably overthinking this, and I admit I'm slightly miffed at the timing as so many take leave around Easter so it wasn't ideal. It's more like @Emmia said, seeking to avoid problems down the line.

@MalMonroe: the current Line Manager has asked for questions before we meet - I guess because he knows we'll ask something he hasn't thought of and doesn't know (we do at every team meeting), and wants to be well prepared. It's his style at the moment.

I think the potential issues might be:
- Clarity over what changes and what doesn't, particularly some non-project sign-offs;
- Building raport with the new manager - I know him a little but not well, whereas I've worked daily in the same office as the old line manager for years (pre-covid) - it's not easy over virtual means;
- Whether I'll still be included in the groups my colleagues (in my office) are in - it's important since they are the people I really work with - it feels wrong to be separated especially as I coach/mentor several of them;
- possibility of increased travel - it's not the travel itself, but if that brings less flexibility affecting childcare/logistics, medical appointments and some studies I'm doing. My current line manager knows my situation.

The other office is over 2 hours from my home, and outside the range of my (electric) car. I can't move because of family, schools and other commitments, but really I don't think that's a risk. We can all do most of our tasks from home - I go into the office over half my working days but many don't (because I need the interaction and I need to be reasonably available as a mentor and Mental Health First Aider).

Grumpy_chap

YBR said:

@Bobbobbobingalong: you're right, I'm probably overthinking this, and I admit I'm slightly miffed at the timing as so many take leave around Easter so it wasn't ideal. 

The timing was quite probably linked to tie in with the start of the new financial year.

Changes of line management and reporting structure are quite common so I wouldn't see anything unusual. 

 Some queries about practicalities of the transition may be logical - it is probably best to ensure discussions are all framed in a really positive light (even if you feel more anxious) as that will help to build a good rapport with the new manager.  Make the new manager believe you support them and you have got their back.

TELLIT01

Hopefully everything will work out OK.  I'm afraid you confirmed all my prejudices against EV when you said it doesn't have the range to allow you to attend a meeting 2 hours from home.  Ho hum.

DullGreyGuy

YBR said:

I've been asked for any questions I(we) may have. Anything I should be thinking about?
Owing to the timing with my holiday, I've not as long to think about this as I would like.

It really depends if you have questions you want answered or if you are just trying to look good to the new boss? 

Presumably this person is just a peer of your current manager and therefore its just rebalancing the headcount rather than any potential change in role/focus?

A lot will depend on what type of job you do but personally I'd be asking about the engagement model given the remote management and what they like... obv if your a call centre agent its easy as they can log into a system to see your stats etc but if you are a less operationalised role then some may like a quick call or quick email a couple times a week, others would prefer a more material update one a week or fortnight etc.

Really though, its as much about the manager getting to know you and how to get the best out of you as the other way round!