Gail will provide Solo 5 minute Your Career Cure episodes every Thursday.  If you have a career question or challenge, please email her and she will do her best to answer your question on Your Career Cure Thursday edition.

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That is why in this episode of the Your Career Cure Podcast, Gail Tolstoi-Miller interviews communication coach, Jill Diamond. She is a seasoned communication coach with a specialization in working with international professionals. Her executive experience, background in the performance arts, and a keen interest in people allow Jill to help professionals Write it, Show it and Voice it with precision, passion, and impact.

She explains how she helps people become great at spoken English as they are in written English without losing traces of their native languages or accents. Listen in to learn how better communication at work can surprisingly help you in moving up the ranks.

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What You Will Discover:

• [0:40] Jill explains how she helps international professionals go from good English speakers to great English speakers.
• [2:54] How Jill became passionate about teaching communication after a career in acting and music.
• [6:27] Understanding code-switching, which is the ability to switch from one accent to another.
• [9:10] Why people don’t trust people with a different accent as theirs, plus some languages with difficult accents.
• [12:46] Jill narrates a success story that happened with a former client.
• [15:49] Teaching people how to speak the way they write.
• [17:04] Up talk- the rising intonation at the end of a sentence and why it creates doubts in others.
• [21:26] The importance of having passion in our native language or any other language we’re speaking.
• [25:37] Why Jill believes that it’s easier for non-Americans to catch up to our accent than the other way around.
• [28:14] She narrates the poem that helps her students get started with rhythm.
• [29:28] Jill describes her career challenges as having to keep up with the times and everything.
• [30:28] How COVID has simplified Jill’s lifestyle by making it easy to communicate with her clients online.
• [31:47] The 3 best career and Corporate America answers that Jill would give to win the 50 million dollars Your Career Cure Contest.

Get in Touch with Jill:

• Jill’s online program landing page: https://jill-diamond-be8f.mykajabi.com/find-your-stage-with-english-communication-confidence
• Website: byjilldiamond.com
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JillDiamond
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jilldiamond/
• Share one of your personal habits that contributes to your success: I’m not afraid to ask for help when I need it. It could be hiring a coach or speaking to a peer or simply searching the internet for the help I need. In other words, I’m in the habit of believing that I am not in it alone.
• Share your favorite Internet/Career/entrepreneur resource: I’ve turned to Tony Robbins’ work on and off over the years. Marie Forleo’s course is great for entrepreneurs—especially if you are starting out. And I turn to LinkedIn groups in my field like Training & Development—there is great resource material and studies that these groups can provide.
• What is your favorite book that you would recommend? I love The Dip by Seth Godin because it shows us that quitting isn’t always about giving up. It is about redirecting ourselves towards our strengths and our passions

Check out this episode!

Finally, the moment of truth! I gave approval to send out the email–the big announcement of my long-awaited book launch.

And then, BOOM!

It hit me like a ton of bricks; that moment of dread. I got word that there was an error in one of the MOST important communications of my career. The personalization field had not been populated–the letter’s salutation had a glaring gaffe.

I was mortified. Embarrassed. Shocked.

Once composed, I had a long conversation with the manager responsible for the project. She quickly and sincerely apologized, got to the bottom of the problem, and suggested a solution to avoid similar technical errors in the future.

My first reaction: I was angry! Not at my employee, whose work product had been stellar for years, but angry at the situation.

Then I was SHOCKED. Absolutely SHOCKED at what transpired in the moments that followed. Soon, I was receiving feedback; some of it helpful and supportive–which I was very grateful for–and some of it SCATHING!

“An author who can’t write an email. YOU ARE A JOKE!”

“ You wrote a book on networking? Is this your idea of effective networking?”

I wish I could say that I relied on my inner strength to get through this unexpected backlash but the truth is that it really disgusted me. I hate mistakes. And this glaring error and the cruel comments cast a black cloud over a day I had looked forward to after years of hard work; a day that was supposed to be filled with festivities and triumph.

THE DAY AFTER THE MISTAKE

I slept on it. And in the light of a new day, the mistake took on a different meaning and revealed some much larger issues.

REVELATION #1: As a CEO, the buck stops here! I realized that I was to blame for the mistake. I took full responsibility and returned the next day to explain this to my staff. There was a gap in our process that allowed the mistake to occur. With a new process in place, similar issues would never arise again.

REVELATION #2: The true character of a person is revealed in the most unexpected ways.

Instead of focusing on what we get right, we tend to focus on what goes wrong. And, let’s face it, we all make mistakes. It is how we acknowledge and rectify mistakes that defines our true nature. On the other hand, we all have a tendency to be critical of others and we have the power to break the spirit of our friends, family and associates.

In the electronic era, some take their criticisms to another level of hostility and rudeness. Whether through email, chat rooms, or texts, cyber bullies harness their negative energy to criticize others for mistakes that don’t actually hurt them in any real or lasting way. Instead of using personal computer and smart phones to improve themselves or the world around them, some choose to use these wondrous tools as weapons.

REVELATION #3: Success isn’t determined by what others say; it’s defined by resilience, hard work and believing in ourselves. When we have something meaningful to share with the world, outside criticism shouldn’t hinder our self-expression. We should put ourselves out there, be tough and not take anything personally.

REVELATION # 4: I recently read, “mistakes have the power to turn you into something better than you were before.” And I had to smile to myself and realize that, once again, the cyclical nature of life had revealed itself to me.

What goes around comes around is the basis of my book Networking Karma. Life is all about continuous improvement and helping others to improve themselves. That’s why, in some small way, I can appreciate THE MISTAKE … after all, I learned so much from it.

PS: If you were a recipient of THE MISTAKE email, I am sorry! And don’t worry. It won’t happen again!

Gail Tolstoi-Miller is an award-winning entrepreneur, CEO, career coach and staffing strategist. Her companies, Consultnetworx and Speednetworx are focused on connecting people for mutual fit and success. The firms’ new division, Careernetworx, will soon provide job seekers with exclusive access to training portals and career coaching services. Gail’s first book, Networking Karma was released earlier this year.

As a career coach, staffing strategist, recruiting executive and all-around observer of life, I have seen this adage played out time and time again. Well-connected, communicative personalities seem to land great jobs and find exciting new opportunities, in large part, due to the influence of those around them.

On the flip side, I’ve observed the career challenges and overwhelming frustration that many people experience because they won’t work at developing and maintain their relationships. That’s why I’m always shocked that more people don’t recognize and embrace the spirit of Networking Karma.

What sort of networker are you? Take a look a the Three S’s and see where you fall:

1.Sleeper: Do you avoid every opportunity to connect more deeply with your past and present co-workers, industry colleagues and acquaintances? Do you consistently avoid large gatherings and social events because of your introverted nature? Do you shy away from experiences that require public speaking, small talk or forced introductions? Then you may fall into the Sleeper category. These non-networkers most often fail to benefit from the satisfaction and success that comes from a strong, long term and reciprocal relationship of trust and giving. Reaching their professional goals is hard because they go at it alone; without the help and support of those around them.

2.Selfish: When you find yourself in a bind, do you reach out to your long-neglected contacts with this common salutation, “long time, no speak”? If so, you should know that “out of the-blue” contact is rarely met with an enthusiastic spirit of helpfulness. Why? Because a one-sided, “palm-up” relationship leaves the person on the other side of it feeling put-upon and unappreciated. Selfish networkers rarely reach out just to say hello. Furthermore, they are not usually proactive in lending support or advice. That’s why they have difficulty reaching their professional goals — their approach is not genuine, it is timed to their needs only.

3.Spheric: You’re evolved and aware. You see the circular, give and take nature of life and in business–and you recognize that the world doesn’t revolve around you. You take a mindful approach to living; considering each chance meeting and new relationship as an opportunity to inform, assist, advocate or connect others—simply said, you’ve made it your mission to be a “giver.” Embracing this spirit of selflessness is second nature to you and others in your industry have taken notice. You’re known as a connector, a resource, an ally. Your lifestyle has allowed you to build a professional and personal fan base that will ultimately return your kindness in unknown and awesome ways. As a spheric networker you are living proof that what goes around, comes around.

Sleeper and Selfish networkers: Are you ready to make the shift to the Spheric state of networking? Why not start today? It’s easier than you think. After all, everyone has what it takes to be a successful networker. All you need is a littler preparation, practice and patience.

A little inspiration helps, too. That’s why I’ll be blogging on this subject often and hope you’ll sign on here for Vitamin NK, a daily dose of networking inspiration delivered direct to you! Also, my book Networking Karma, will provide additional tips and techniques for you to improve your networking skills to enhance your relationship and life.

This is my life! As a CEO, career coach and staffing strategist, wife and mother of two, I’m an over-doer and an over-thinker! I am constantly super-amped and on overdrive! There never seems to be enough hours in the day to do everything I need to do!

Does this sound like your life, too? Do you feel like you are on a treadmill that you can’t get off? Did you ever envision that this would be your life? I never did!

Life is too short to feel unfulfilled and burnt out! Don’t we owe it to ourselves to live the best life possible? I truly believe that it’s never too late to change. We all have the power to look inward, to reflect and redirect our energies.

I’m starting to evaluate the quality and purpose of my life. I’m about to step off the treadmill, to refresh and renew. (And to sleep, which I don’t do very often.) I’m excited to share my journey with you and hopefully inspire you along the way!

Last month, I started my personal transformation by reading The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo. This de-cluttering method focuses on embracing a minimalist lifestyle and living solely with items that bring joy. I let go of many, many trash bags full of “stuff” and in the process found a great deal of peace and renewed sense of calm in my home. By asking, “does this bring me joy?” to every item in my closet, I was able to start simplifying my environment. I feel inspired to make this question a constant part of my life and I hope you will, too.

I’ve also been listening to meditation audio when I have a chance to build some positive habits into my life. It is a relaxing, quick and powerful method that may provide the change you want.

Tomorrow, I’m leaving rainy New Jersey to go on a personal six day retreat to Sedona, AZ called Inner Journeys. It focuses on spiritual growth and self-discovery. Not a boondoggle or an over-the-top spa destination, my trip will be a low-frills wellness get-away (no make-up required)! I hope to learn and evolve to be happier and more purpose-driven in everything I do.

Here Are Four Life Lessons I Can’t Wait to Explore Along The Journey:

1) BALANCE: We all work too much and play too little; think too much and feel too little. Personally, I have been craving connections: with music, with nature and with exercise. Like many entrepreneurs, moderation and boundaries are lacking in my life. What interests, hobbies or past-times are you looking to connect with?

2) RELATIONSHIP WITH TIME: This four-letter word seems to motivate everything I do. I have been on a race with myself to “beat the clock” for as long as I can remember – I seem to take “Living In The Moment” too literally. I try to accomplish as much as I can in one day fearing there will be no tomorrow. Are things that I am cramming in my daily life really matter? Do they help me achieve my purpose? I need help with this. Does time run your life, too?

3) GRATITUDE: Since recovering from breast cancer, I have been moving too fast to stop and realize how lucky I am. While I was ill, I was so busy scrambling to keeping my companies healthy that I didn’t focus on the miracle that is my life. I want to learn how to embrace those things that are most important.

4) MAKING PEACE: We all have personal struggles and challenges that continue to loom emotionally long after they end. Job loss, illness and other personal disappointments and despair. Whatever you are carrying around, it is far healthier to deal with it and move forward than to keep it bottled up inside.

I can’t wait to take care of myself, reflect and enjoy the beauty of the Sedona mountains. I’m excited to have you along for the ride, too!

I’ll be taking daily video snippets (when appropriate) and posting them to my new YOUTUBE channel. I don’t know what is in store for me. But, I am excited to deviate from my daily routine and experience something off the beaten path. I hope my video journey to the retreat inspires you to lighten your load and live life better, too!

Gail Tolstoi-Miller is an award-winning entrepreneur, CEO, career coach and staffing strategist. Her companies, Consultnetworx and Speednetworx are focused on connecting people for mutual fit and success. The firms’ new division, Careernetworx, will soon provide job seekers with exclusive access to training portals and career coaching services. Gail’s first book, Networking Karma was released earlier this year.

Day after day is filled with anguish and drudgery. At first, you blame your boss or the company. You think, “if I just got a new job at another firm, I would be happier.” Then, you move to a different company, working in a similar job. And you’re even more miserable and frustrated. So you leave that job and go to another company, in a similar role and fall deeper and deeper into despair.

You don’t know what’s wrong. You’re moving from one company to the next like a habitual, dysfunctional dater. Your professional life is a complete train-wreck. You’re making the same bad choices over and over again and not understanding why (or how to move forward).

Unfortunately, this is a common story that’s been told to me by many of my clients. It is disheartening to hear the anguish and frustration that not only affects their professional life but spills into other areas: Their health, their family, their relationships and their finances! When everything starts to sour, it becomes difficult for them to isolate where the misery originated. But when we start to peel back the onion, we reveal the source: It always goes back to, “I hate my career!”

So how do we tackle the huge life issue of having a stagnant career? Certainly we question strengths, weaknesses, goals, likes, dislikes, personality traits, aspirations, and use visualization techniques to gain greater insight. But that is just scratching the surface. We must dig much deeper to gain true clarity to attain career fulfillment.

It comes down to one vital question–four little words. (Drum roll please!)

What is your purpose?

To answer this burning question, first think about this: How much of your day is spent on (as I call it) the BS factor?

You know, that stuff that drags you down, saps your energy and detract you from the things that are most important–that have true meaning in your life and work.

Recently, I had one of my clients journal all the trivial BS she experienced throughout one day, as well as things that provided purpose. She was shocked at how many pages were filled with BS and how little with purpose. She realized she was wasting her days (actually life) on nonsense … and that included her job, where she slaved away, day after day after day.

Just as a company must be aligned with its values, we must also be aligned with our purpose. Feeling as though we are meaningfully contributing and solving problems that are important to us DOES matter. It makes each day count.

Feeling connected to others, feeling inspired, having a direction in life, and–we can’t forget–experiencing joy, all help us to define our purpose. Yes, I know life is not perfect, but if you are able to stay true to your purpose it somehow neutralizes the unexpected challenges that come our way.

Once you realize your true calling, you must take action! Action is the most difficult part of the process.

STOP! This is where fear and self-limiting beliefs start creeping in to your head…

My purpose won’t pay the bills. I don’t have experience. I am the breadwinner. My family won’t support the decision. It ‘s not realistic.

…the list goes on and on. (I hear every excuse in the “talk myself out of it” book!)

• Why do we associate a dream career as risky but a miserable job as safe? Isn’t that just a fable YOU tell yourself to feed your fears (and thwart living a meaningful life?)
• Isn’t it as easy to apply to a joyful job as an unhappy one? (YES!)
• Is the process any different? Yes. It is actually easier to apply to a purposeful job because it feels better and more exciting. And it energizes a job search.
• Why are you denying yourself?

Would you ever, in your right mind, advise someone to spend at least 8 hours a day, Monday through Friday, for at least 40 years doing something that will make that person miserable? I hope not. (But that is exactly what you’re choosing for yourself.)

And if you had a friend who was miserable at their job, wouldn’t you try to be their cheerleader and do what you could to help them turn things around for the better? Of course!

Shouldn’t you be your own cheerleader?

Don’t miss another opportunity to start over and do something truly awesome! It’s time to get psyched-up to define your true purpose, discover your dream job and start writing your own story. Life’s too short not to.

Gail Tolstoi-Miller is an award-winning entrepreneur, CEO, career coach and staffing strategist. Her companies, Consultnetworx and Speednetworx are focused on connecting people for mutual fit and success. The firms’ new division, Careernetworx, will soon provide job seekers with exclusive access to training portals and career coaching services. Sign up for the latest information. Gail’s first book, Networking Karma was released earlier this year.

Imagine how different our world would be if people never took a chance. Would we still believe the world to be flat if Christopher Columbus had not set out to sea? Would we be as productive and connected if men like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs had not invested their fortunes and their reputations on radically different ideas? Would we still be listening to Madonna if she hadn’t taken risk after risk in reinventing herself?

Risk takers have helped advance our society. And a hearty dose of risk taking can help anyone move his or her life forward. So why don’t more people feel comfortable taking risks?

Sure, our genetics, upbringing and even our education shape our tolerance and propensity to take risk. But ultimately, I believe it is FEAR that keeps many from being successful risk takers.

What are you afraid of? Starting a small business? Investing in a new venture? Hiring the wrong talent? In my work with small and mid-sized business owners, I coach clients on these 5 strategies to risk taking success!

1) EDUCATE YOURSELF: Everyone is afraid of the unknown. By thoroughly analyzing a situation and researching all potential outcomes – good and bad – you can remove one of the major components of fear from the risk equation.

2) THINK WORST-CASE SCENARIO: If you take the risk and fail, how badly will the failure affect your life. And how would you plan to recover from it? Once you figure this out, compare it to your current situation. In most cases, the worst-case scenario is better than the current status quo. (And be realistic; how stable is the status quo? Are you going through the motions of life with a false sense of security?)

3) EMBRACE THE EXPERIENCE: Randi Pausch famously said, “The person who failed often knows how to avoid future failures,” Great personal growth and learning accompanies all failures.

4) PREPARE FOR PLAN-B: Hedge your bets and soften the potential blow of failure by having a backup plan. Intelligent risk takers are not gamblers, they make arrangements to manage time and money wisely. In this way, risk is managed, too.

5) TAKE BABY STEPS: If possible, dip your toe in the water before jumping all the way in. This is a safe way to gauge whether you will ultimately sink or swim. In business, this often requires long hours and a double dose of dedication. But it is a low-risk approach to overcoming the fear of failure.

As a self-proclaimed risk taker, I know I could not be personally fulfilled and will never reach my ultimate destiny without taking risks. And in my opinion, there is nothing worse than living with regrets and should-haves. If your fear is a major mental roadblock to your future success, explore these strategies and start taking more risks, today.

Gail Tolstoi-Miller is an award-winning entrepreneur, CEO, career coach and staffing strategist. Her companies, Consultnetworx and Speednetworx are focused on connecting people for mutual fit and success. The firms’ new division, Careernetworx, will soon provide job seekers with exclusive access to training portals and career coaching services. Gail’s first book, Networking Karma was released earlier this year.

• “Where do I find a part time job as an attorney?”
• “How can I compete with other unemployed people when I have such a huge gap on my resume?”
• “Is it really possible to juggle work and personal responsibilities?

These are just some of the concerns of hundreds of thousands of women who are looking for a purpose, needing the income or ready for reinvention. Here are

6 Essential Back to Work Secrets that I share!

MAKE A GAME PLAN: As a stay-at-home mom, you have many vital responsibilities that need to be addressed before you go back to work. From the onset of your job search, you and your partner must work as a team and discuss strategies for dealing with your absence from the home. Who will responsibly care for children, drive carpools, homework and meal prep? Can you rely on family and friends? Will you need to hire in-home help?Agreements need to be reached up-front about how you will deal with planned and unplanned school absences, sports games and recitals, school productions and other events that a parent is expected to attend. Cooperation, compromise and creativity are the key to making these situations work.

CREATE A NEW YOU: From your appearance to your online profile to your resume, all of YOU needs to be evaluated and updated for success. Let’s start with your email address… Luvmykids@email.com is NOT very professional. And if your voice mail message features your singing 4-year old, change it.Does your resume have gaps? FILL THEM. Did you participate in any volunteer work? Described the experience in business terms and specify or quantify any financial successes (raised $250,000) or goals reached (launched the organizations web site). Did you advise or mentor any colleagues during your time at home? Congratulations, that makes you a consultant!

Others may disagree however I must make one other comment: You can’t sell yourself with your success as a home maker. Yes, it is one of the most difficult and demanding jobs in the world. But a hiring manager needs to be assured that you are professional, reliable and have the skills to do the job.  Discussing your balanced home budget or your car pool juggling ability is NOT recommended.Finally, if its been years since you took off your yoga pants, take a good look at your wardrobe and evaluate what you will need for interviewing and later, for working in a new environment.

NETWORK: We all have the capacity to change our lives and this change is often made possible via the relationships we’ve developed. Not everything you want to accomplish in your life is within your power to complete alone; no matter how self-sufficient you are. So develop a concise elevator pitch or story that explains your new career goal, connect with old colleagues, friends, family and acquaintances. Create a compelling LinkedIn profile and explore and engage in LinkedIn Groups. Meet new people at industry and networking events. And keep in mind that the best way to nurture your network is to help others! Learn more about it in my book, Networking Karma.

VOLUNTEER If you haven’t been doing it, start today! Providing your professional skills and services to a charitable organization is a smart way to bridge your resume gap, enhance your professional network and do some good! Plus, keep in mind that your prospective employers are going to ask you for up-to date-professional references who can vouch for your dependability, work ethic and skill. Those associated with the organization you volunteer for may be the perfect ones to convey this vital information.

IDENTIFY YOUR IDEAL JOB: Evaluate your situation honestly and try to look at it from an employers’ perspective. How do you look on paper and in person? What are your interests and skills? If you can identify how you “fit” into a role, personally and professionally, it will be easier for you to sell yourself and you’ll have a much better chance to score the job. But, be warned. There is no such thing as the “perfect” situation, so have an open mind and be willing to take chances if an interesting opportunity presents itself.

BE REALISTIC: Let’s face it. The economy is still shaky and the competition for jobs is fierce. Your job search will be challenging. It may take a while. And rejection is sure to be part of the process. Keep your spirits high by surrounding yourself with people who are like-minded and positive. Join a local working mom’s group for support. Practice interviewing. Consider temporary or consultative jobs, which may be easier to come by and often offer more flexibility. Explore Returnship programs.  These temporary opportunities–like internships–are cropping up through some progressive corporation and are geared especially for people re-entering the workforce.

One final word: I advise coaching clients (as well as those I coach virtually, via my Dream Job Search System) that getting your foot in the door is more important than waiting for the dream job that my not exist. But using good judgment, working hard and of course a little luck may lead to big things down the road.

The best way to re-enter the work force is to make a plan as you are leaving. Pave the way for your eventual return to work. Actively engage in your industry, with your colleagues and your skills, even while you are raising your children.

 Do you have any advice for moms returning to the work force? Please share…

As a customer, mergers and acquisitions can be very confusing. They inject a large amount of uncertainty into a customer relationship that may have been very solid and reliable. According to TheFinancialBrand.com, many companies across industries have found that customer loss during and after an acquisition is much higher than at other times. For this reason, it’s integral that you communicate with your customers clearly and effectively while you are being acquired. If you do it right, you can minimize the risk of client loss, and instead use the experience to strengthen the relationship.

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

Customers hate being the last person to hear important news. Hearing the news from a competitor or on the news will make your customer wonder why you didn’t tell them directly. There are sometimes legal situations where you can’t tell your customers until the acquisition has been finalized, but whatever the case may be, once you are legally able to communicate, you should have a communication plan in place.

3 IMPORTANT BENEFITS TO COMMUNICATING DURING AN ACQUISITION

1) BUILD TRUST WITH CUSTOMERS: Simply communicating what is happening can significantly reassure a customer during the process. Have a clear communication plan in place, so that you and all your employees understand how best to explain what is happening and why. You will also want to explain to your customers what they can reasonably expect during the transition, so that they won’t be surprised by changes and delays. Don’t let them hear about it from someone else. Don’t hide the acquisition. Let them know, and let them know they can continue to count on you.

2) REMIND THEM THAT YOU VALUE THEIR BUSINESS: Acquisitions, the successful ones anyway, usually happen because there are strategic reasons, synergies, and advantages to combining two companies. When speaking with your customer, you want to communicate that you will be getting stronger after this. This acquisition will not only benefit the company, but will benefit the customer!

3) PROMOTE NEW SERVICES: Communicating this type of news with customers is a great way to get in front of them. Not only are you demonstrating your transparency and customer focus, you now have the opportunity to sell them on new services. What can you now offer them because of the acquisition? Are there new services or products that you now provide? Perhaps you can mention how your customer service will be expanding to 24 hours a day or you now offer nationwide service.

Ultimately, the most important thing is clear and consistent communication. Imagine the types of concerns your customer will have and address them immediately. Don’t let them wonder and worry about the process, because that will make them more open to switching to a competitor. Use the news as an opportunity to strengthen relations with customers!

Case in point: The hiring and firing on my beloved NY Red Bulls team.

On January 7^th, the New York Red Bulls fired their celebrated coach Mike Petke. This came as a shock to the team’s many loyal—and deeply disappointed–fans. Petke, a former Red Bulls star player, led the team to their first trophy, the 2013 Supporters’ Shield. And just two months ago, Petke’s team made it all the way to the Eastern Conference final. For many, Petke had ushered in a new period of success and excitement for the team and their fans!

The decision to fire Petke was made by new sporting director Ali Curtis just a few weeks into his new position. Curtis had his eye on former Montreal Impact coach Jesse Marsch for the role and possibly thought Mike Petke was lacking in sports analytics expertise.

If this quick and controversial “house cleaning” seems familiar, perhaps you’ve seen it happen to teams in your work place. When sweeping staffing decisions are made in haste by new leaders, whether in business or in sports, an entire team can suffer.

Check out these 3 Hiring without Firing Strategies:

1) Avoid Quick Decisions and Inaccurate First Impressions

For new management, it can be daunting to come into an operation and a team that has been working together for many years without you. Sometimes in the rush to put a personal mark on the organization, rash changes are made before the manager really gets to know the individuals they will be leading. Current employees may be stressed and their behavior may not be indicative of their true value. One-on-one meeting with each of the staff allows new managers to share their vision, explore team members’ experiences, learn about key challenges and initiatives, review workloads (or work outs!) and lay the groundwork for a good working rapport.

2) Take Advantage of Existing Knowledge

Turnover is sometimes unavoidable, but it shouldn’t be immediate. Some existing employees can help “right the ship” and others might provide valuable insight. Fast firing in haste will never reveal these key personnel. In this way, Director Curtis may have moved a little too quickly with his vision. The Red Bulls were moderately successful over Petke’s tenure, and Petke obviously had a strong understanding of the personnel and the organization overall. With only a few weeks on the job, it’s unlikely that Curtis was able to take advantage of this information.

3) Look for Cross-Training Opportunities

Some say that Curtis let go of Petke because he wanted to move the organization in a more sports analytics-focused direction. Even if this is true, there’s no reason why he couldn’t have incorporated Petke into this vision. According to Forbes, new management change is an excellent opportunity for cross-training and re-training. Not only do these types of activities improve the productivity of employees, but they also function as a great way to assess current skills and team dynamics.

Coming in as new management is never easy, but having a very clear vision of the past as well as the future is key to building a winning team!