Self-preservation becomes a major concern.

Every employee looks at a merger from the standpoint of how he or she personally will be affected. There are heavy-duty questions in each person’s mind, such as:

- Will I get to keep my job?
- How will my pay and benefits be affected?
- Will this affect my opportunities for advancement?
- Will I have a new boss?
- What will be expected of me now?

Until important personal career issues like these have been resolved satisfactorily, employees are too preoccupied with their own situations to focus effectively on their work. Company interests take a back seat to personal interests. Employees worry, gossip, and trade rumors rather than concentrate on their jobs.

The longer your subordinates have to go without closure on these “me” issues, the more likely your work group will lose momentum. Get these questions answered in a hurry, so people can get on with business.