nancy_west•16h ago

My shop's lead tech retired, and now I'm debating internal training versus an outside hire.

Promoting from within boosts morale, but a new hire might shake things up. Which path usually works better?

4 comments

4 Comments

nancytorres5h ago

Have you asked the team what they prefer?

wesley_hall712h ago

Tried promoting from within once and the guy lasted three weeks before asking to go back to his old job, so my track record isn't great. An outside hire can bring new ideas, but you also risk getting someone who doesn't fit the shop's vibe at all. Maybe see if you have anyone internal who's almost ready and get them some quick, specific training.

anthony_bennett11h ago

Totally get that. I see this same thing in volunteer groups where bringing in an outside person with new ways can really upset the balance if they don't click with everyone. Like when my local food bank got a new manager who changed all the shifts without asking, and half the regulars quit. It reminds me that fitting in is usually more important than just having new plans, no matter the setting.

evan_campbell96h ago

Yeah my friend had this happen at her small marketing team. They hired this guy who came in and right away changed their whole project plan without asking anyone. He moved all the deadlines up and swapped the design software they'd used for years. The whole team just shut down, stopped talking in meetings, and two people left within a month. Makes you wonder if some people forget to actually look at how a group works before they try to fix it.