Franke James is Editor/Founder of Office-Politics.com and Inventor of the Office-Politics® Game.

Peter R. Garber has worked as an HR professional for over 25 years and is the author of many business books including: Winning the Rat Race at Work and 100 Ways to Get on the Wrong Side of your Boss.

Dina Beach Lynch, is an Ombudsman, Author and former attorney. An award-winning mediator, Dina served as the Corporate Ombudsman for the 7th largest bank in the US helping over 48,000 employees to resolve workplace issues.

Dr. Rick Brandon is CEO of Brandon Partners. He has consulted and trained tens of thousands at corporations worldwide, including Fortune 500 companies across a variety of industries.

Dr. Marty Seldman is one of America's most experienced executive coaches. His 35-year career includes expertise in executive coaching, group dynamics, cross-cultural studies, clinical psychology, and training.

Arnie Herz, is a lawyer, mediator, speaker, author and consultant nationally recognized for his practical and inspired approach to conflict resolution and client counseling.

Dr. John Burton LL.B. M.B.A. M.Div. Ph.D. is an ethicist, mediator, lawyer and theologian. John is currently located in Prince Rupert, B.C., Canada, working with Canada's aboriginal communities.

A senior manager wants to step down to go back to school but wants to continue with the organization in an entry professional position...

September 2006

Dear Office-Politics,

An executive/senior manager wants to step down to go back to school but wants to continue with the organization in an entry professional position.  Any suggestions/concerns?

Thank you.

H.R. Director

Dear H.R. Director,

Congratulations! It sounds like you have a real gem on your hands - a senior manager committed to continuous learning!

While I can't comment on what possible issues may arise since I don't know the history of your company or this employee, I can offer a suggestion. Reading between the lines, you sound a bit concerned about a senior person returning to work in a more junior role. If so, why not sit this manager down for a talk. You can probe to discover his or her interest in more education; how that new knowledge might benefit the company and why he or she wants to play an entry role later.

What's really appealing about this strategy is that it's practical and builds relationship. You can show your support and work collaboratively with your manager to decide how to proceed in a way that's mutually beneficial. This is exactly the kind of work experience that helps retain key contributors.

Wishing you more terrific employees. Thanks for writing to OfficePolitics.com.

Dina

Dina Beach Lynch, JD
Ombudsman
http://www.workwelltogether.com
Your Online Toolkit for Resolving Issues and Preserving Relationships