How to manage Office Manager's Position

Hi there,

I've decided for the best of the company that I step away as manager & hire someone else.

Now b/c I've been in this position for the last few years, I'm trying to understand how I will do this since this is all virtual.

1. Should I have the OM handle all staff even if things seem to be running smoothly between me & said staff at first?

2. What about for the "one-time" staffers for larger projects, meaning not staff who are ongoing?

3. How does one arrange it being that the OM has to forward me work, then I have to explain to the OM what I need done & hopes that he relays the correct message to the worker.

I don't want the "too many spoons in the pot" problem, nor miscommunication along the way.

I'm trying to keep costs as low as possible since it will be a very high expense to have to pay someone to fill the position I have been holding all this time.

I just feel it's needed overall for various reasons mainly high turnover.

Any help you can give me would be much appreciated.

Thanks


Michelle

 

Michelle,

I'd suggest getting an OM and letting everyone know what is going on and having a transition period. People will be confused about who to go to for what at the beginning.

I also think you should work with your OM to put together some processes, so that both of you know what is expected of you and how things should be done.

I guess a big thing is to determine just how much you want to turn over to the OM. If you want to turn over the day to day work, then everything should ideally go through the OM that way they know what's going on and can do their job effectively. If they're only getting half the information, then it's a disservice to everyone.

This is going to be a big thing for you and the employees, and you may feel like the OM is taking over your job at first, so it's important not to rush things and find "the right person" for the job. If you have a good relationship with the person, things will work out well.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for your feedback.

Unfortunately the OM wants me to tell him how to structure things & since this is all new for me, I have no clue. I was hoping someone could make some suggestions.

My only goal is to have him make sure the work is getting done properly & on time.

Everything else will be run by me & I have no problem giving up that control so long as it makes the biz run more efficiently & there isn't such a high turnover.

Have a good night!


Michelle