Thinking back to one of my most strategic and significant careers moves, I realise that my good fortune accompanied the reversal of fortunes for the then-Executive Secretary to the outgoing CEO.

For, when the VP with whom I worked was tapped to succeed (albeit as COO) the retiring CEO, my VP recognised and valued my skills. He had specifically recruited me to work with him in the first place and we worked very well together. He trusted me, and his wife and I communicated well. She also appreciated that I was proactive in providing her information on corporate events in which she’d be involved. So, at the age of 21, I also earned a promotion and moved to one of the two corner offices in the executive suite.

As many readers know, it’s not uncommon for a change in senior management to be followed by a corresponding change in EA or Chief of Staff. I didn’t take it personally when the retiring CEO’s Executive Secretary (this was before the EA, MA and PA titles came into use) tried to convince the incoming COO that I was too young for such a responsibility. She was trying to preserve her livelihood, but instead received a generous severance package.

This weekend, we’re exploring the impact changes in the C-Suite or other management positions have on readers.

Have changes in management ever impacted your job security?

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Please take a minute to complete the poll below. I look forward to hearing what you have to say, and will publish the results on Monday.

“Select” whichever responses apply, and remember to CLICK on the golden “VOTE” ICON AFTER EACH QUESTION.