Top 7 Key Steps to a Successful Lift Out

A lift out is a recruiting method whereby an entire team is “lifted out” of one organization, and inserted into another. It can be as few as two talented people, and as many as 20 or 30 working like a well-oiled machine. It differs from an acquisition in that the emphasis is on the team and its leadership, and not another company. Research shows that superstars who move with their teams are more successful in their new companies than those who move alone. That’s because the team as a unit is ready to go to work quickly, without having to get acquainted or navigate the labyrinth of group dynamics. Planned and executed thoughtfully, a lift out provides a company with a talented group of professionals whose expertise will add positively to the bottom line almost immediately. If not planned well, a lift out can result in humiliation for the hiring firm and unemployment for the lifted out team. Below are seven key steps to take when undergoing a lift out.

1. Be certain market conditions will support adding a team to your organization.
   
   
2. Honest communication is essential. Be sure both the leaving team and the hiring organization are clear about shared expectations, vision and goals of the proposed move.
   
   
3. Examine whether you are adding the team solely for the purpose of gaining high profile clients. Often clients remain loyal to the firm, and not the superstar and supporting cast who leave.
   
   
4. Are both groups culturally compatible? The hiring company must be clear in its values and mission, and the team leadership should have no reservations about the fit.
   
   
5. The team leader needs full access to resources and management of the hiring company, and will ensure that members of the team will have everything they need for a seamless transition.
   
   
6. The assimilation process for the new hires is a critical point in the lift out – it is essential that the team feel wanted and welcome before they officially join the firm. Once they are on board, communicate to them often that the firm sees the move positively and their contributions are appreciated.
   
   
7. Full integration occurs once the team establishes credibility with the rest of the organization. They can then reach out to others and build relationships apart from their team members.

Gretchen Neels, President, Neels & Company - Strategic Business Communication http://www.neelscompany.com