WHAT TO SAY · TEAM CHANGES
How to tell an employee they will report to a new manager
A change of manager can feel like losing an ally. Explain why, introduce the new manager properly, and hand over what matters to them.
Before you start
- Agree the date and how you will hand over with the new manager.
The script
- OPEN WITH
[Name], I want to tell you about a change to who you report to.
From [date], you will report to [new manager]. This is because [reason].
I will hand over your goals, what you are working on and what you want to grow in, so you do not start from scratch.
I have set up a three-way meeting with [new manager] next week.
How do you feel about it?
Replace the [brackets] with real details. Say it in your own words; the structure matters more than the exact wording.
If they say…
“Did I do something wrong?”
No. This is about [reason], not your work.
What to avoid
- Letting them find out from an org chart.
- Disappearing after the move.