what shall I say?

[fuzzypeach1750]

Hi,

I'm a few weeks away from completing on an existing business. We are taking the staff.

Tomorrow I have to go and speak with them and all of a sudden I'm lost for words! We won't be re interviewing, they will carry on as they are but I'd like to make it clear that I will be popping in and out over the coming week to view them at work. I want to find out their good and bad points, find out if the info from the seller about who's a bitch to other staff members is true etc.

How can I word all of this so that it's nice but I show that I won't stand for piss takers?!!

Thanks

Get the following points across:-

1. Any change is unsettling, even if I convince you that you won't be affected. It's normal and natural and I wish I could reduce any anxiety you feel
2. I am not going to be able to convince you in a speech like this that I am a caring and responsible employer, I hope you will give me the time I need to prove that to you by my actions
3. There's no point in changing things in an organisation that work. That would be silly. So don't worry about things that work - I'm only going to be focusing in things that don't work, and even then, I'll be careful and conservative in the changes I make
4. There will be vastly more things staying the same than things changing
5. I need to get to know you before I do anything, and you need to get to know me, so I'll be stopping by to meet you all and perhaps hear your views on how the business is going and ways we can grow it together

ETC.

You really really shouldn't say anything about piss-takers, kicking out poor performers, whatever. They'll expect that anyway. Your job tomorrow is to reassure. You can use the whip later. If your message is anything other than totally open and warm initially I guarantee the majority of the staff (not just the slackers) will start fearing for their jobs and may proactively seek other work.

PS. Feel welcome to fire away with any other qs. My day job is advising on the HR aspects of M&A!

Thank you so much!

Thanks again for the advice. They seemed to like me! Only time will tell I guess