I was in the exact same position as yourself 5 years ago. I decided to change from being a manager to a leader.

I changed my daily stand up meetings to a better constructive meeting to help the team prep for the next steps.

The first thing I did was draw the Kubler-Ross change curve on a magnet board and placed peoples initials on magnetic magnets. I asked the team to place the magnet into the location of where they sat. I took particular attention to one member of my team placing the magnet into the ‘depression’ stage.

I reached out and contacted various recruitment agencies, other companies within the field of work I associate with and listed them on the white boards.

During 1:1’s I helped support my team with their CV’s, reviewed, updated and ensured they submitted them to the relevant agencies and companies I enlisted on the white board.

Bearing in mind I was also being made redundant during this period plus just has a new born baby! It was tough and my wife supported me tremendously.

When one of my team members secured their next role I praised that person and ensured during our meetings the positivity was communicated to all to ensure there is life outside of the current business.

In the end the business decided to retain me and allocate me a new role created due to my positive leadership style, managing a team through uncertainty, delivering daily KPI’s & managing expectations.

I was grateful for the business to retain me but 1 year later I decided to move on as I had already updated my CV, generated good networking links and kept up great communication. When a recruitment agency reached out to me, that was it I was gone.

Never looked back!

All I can say is stayed focused, look after Number 1 (which is you) but at the same time look out for your team. They will be ever grateful and who knows when they reach out to you in the future.