JACOB FROM CHICAGO ASKS...
I work at a union hotel. I have an excellent management candidate I would like to promote from within, but she is afraid she'll lose the respect of her union coworkers if she makes the switch to non-union management. She is also afraid of losing her union benefits. How can I convince her that this is the right longterm move for her, career-wise?

THE STAFFING DOCTOR ANSWERS...
Yo, Jacob! You’re in a tangle that’s got more politics in it than a national party caucus.
Here’s a three-point RX:

1. Invest some time getting in-depth with your candidate about her career and personal goals. Do this before trying to sell her on anything. Whether and how you can sell her on the long-term benefits of the move to management will greatly depend on what you learn during this conversation.

2. Is your candidate sure she’ll lose respect within the union because of her promotion? Determine if some people in the union (including union leadership) would view the promotion in a positive light. If another employee has successfully moved from union rank-and-file to management, introduce her (or him) as a possible mentor.

3.Your candidate would be transitioning to a new benefits plan if she moves, right? Do a comparison of the two plans. Put your candidate in touch with someone who can advise her on her options regarding rollover of her retirement and savings funds.

CONTACT THE STAFFING DOCTOR
As president of StaffDynamics, www.staffdynamics.biz, Daniel Abramson has focused on workforce performance strategies and “raising the bar” for over 25 years. His energetic no-nonsense style appeals to clients seeking results at a new level. He is available as a corporate trainer, management coach, and for high-impact speaking engagements. His latest book is Secrets of Hiring Top Talent. Please send questions you would like Daniel to address to mcaro@hfbexecutive.com. Your anonymity will be respected.