I am a medical device marketing manager in St. Paul, MN and I have received an offer to join a Massachusetts-based company as Vice President of Marketing. I have some concerns about taking this job. It will involve relocating my family (I have three children in grade school), my wife will need to find a new job, and the culture of the new organization is quite different from my present company. As expected, the responsibilities are significantly more demanding. I know that it is probably natural to have some level of apprehension when considering a job offer. Is there any advice you can give me that will make this process easier?

You are quite insightful to be concerned about the changes you will encounter should you decide to accept this job offer. In my book, The Healthcare Leader's Guide for Succeeding in a New Position, I quote an article from the Boston Business Journal where author Jeff Crown states, "Sixty percent of newly hired executives are leaving within 18 months of placement." The following are seven key elements to consider when deciding to accept a job offer. Time spent reflecting on this list will ensure that you have a long and successful tenure with your new employer.

1. List the reasons why this position is attractive to you. Make sure the positive elements outweigh the disadvantages of leaving your present situation. Another way of doing this is to list what is gained and what is lost by taking the new job.

2. What are your professional strengths that will help you succeed in the new job? What are the new skills you will need to learn or the personal vulnerabilities that might undercut your success? For example, if this is a turnaround situation and you have difficulty terminating people and making tough decisions, this may not be a good fit for you.

3. How is the culture of the new organization different from your present organization? Is there a good match between your personal values and those of the new organization? If the new organization is highly competitive at a personal level and you value working collaboratively, this situation could be an uphill struggle for you. The closer the match the more likely you will succeed in the new job

4. How strategic is the new position. What percent of your time will be spent on developing strategy? If you are a hands-on type of manager, will this be a problem for you?

5. Will you have the resources (budget and headcount) necessary to meet the goals that have been established for the new position?

6. Is your family excited about relocating to the new area? What are the benefits of the new area for them? Is your spouse excited about the move? Are there employment opportunities available for him or her? Is the new city known for welcoming families such as yours?

7. Pay attention to you instincts. If something is bothering you about the new position, check it out. Make sure you have done adequate due diligence. Research your network and try to find managers who have left the organization within the last year. Conversations with a few of these individuals can be very helpful.

No situation is perfect. Many of the reasons you have been made an offer have to do with the organization's confidence that you can address problems and take advantage of business opportunities.

I hope that this information is helpful. Contact me if you would like to pursue this situation further.

Copyright , Mark J. Campbell. All rights reserved.
Permission to reprint this article is granted, provided you let me know where it is being printed, the copyright is not removed, and the following text accompanies each article:

"Mark Campbell partners with organizations for leadership development. For a complimentary subscription to his newsletter, "The Insightful Leaders," go to www.mjcampbellassoc.com."

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