Ground Zero?

I guessed it was just another journey we have to pass thru that one day our children will leave home and start a family on their own. Similarly, one day our downline managers will do the same. And, to me, it has come early. In this one Monday in September, that both our downline managers informed me that they have decided to branch out from Echelon Group. 

Am i shocked? not really. I was indeed quite prepare for it. They were promoted in year 2013 as Unit Manager (UM1) and this is the 3rd year with the Group. Since promotion till now, i just realised that no growth has been recorded with their units. Unlike my direct unit, we are still having growth every year (we really worked damn hard for growth :p) it is always my philosophy in life that all things which is important is deemed to be done well. Done well also means we must have growth, improvement in all dealings. So, i just thought probably it was about time that they should also ventured out on their own and run their agencies without tagging with the group. Perhaps a better outcome. Better outcome as in, they have to now do everything on their own. Learn to be a Leader, without any back up. 

When my UMs were with me, I will always take myself as a back up. If one day they fall, i'll still be there to take care of things, while waiting for them to bounce. Now, I don't carry that responsibility anymore, and I only need to take care of my direct unit for growth. more focus. 

On this day of 11th September, it's the last day of the UM1 units in our office. Things have to be cleared. I have blasted a message to every agents that my UMs agents have to clear everything from our office and no entry to the office thereafter. This is the one thing i have to do for them. A favour. none of the unit will do well with agents still coming back to our office. So, strictly no entry. No structure activities together. All separated. only by doing so that their agents will have no alternative but to go with them and start a new structure with their managers. All must go!

I have prior to the moving out day, that i have spoken to their agents, some i met individually in office that they must give support to their managers. They have learnt so much as a team leader in Echelon group, so now, by all means, help their agency to grow. Have faith in their managers. I guess that's all I can do to help. 

My business associate asked me if it was necessary and what others will say. I really don't care what other people will say at my back, even if no one appreciate what i have done to help their agents to grow, or whether i'll always play the game as evil agency manager, I have no regret. 

When i take the role as a Manager, it is no turning back. I can only keep moving forward. 

To all Agency Managers, it doesn't matter if your agents don't understand your motive, never mind what others nicknamed us, or we are always the bad guy, hold on to what you do. No one Manager want their agents to perform badly, No Agency manager wants their UMs to do badly. Everything is for a good course. Have faith. It is ok to have our UMs leaving us, don't think of them badly, they must have thought through things many many times to have the courage to come forward and tell us that. 

Leaving us, 

..they will have to rent an office

..they'll have to start everything on their own

..they'll have to now take risk to make every decision for the benefit of their team knowing that not all decisions are accepted well by their agents

..they'll have to now conduct their own structure days knowing no one will be there early except themselves

..they'll have all agents count on them knowing that they're the only resource their agents have.

and the list will go on. We know, we have gone through most of it. 

So, now, a new episode begins.