Restructure - WWYD?

[MJ123]

My employer is instituting a restructure. No redundancies but significant change expected in the Org structure.

I've been asked to lead a small workstream within the restructure. This ask has come directly from very senior management and I'm in a mid level management position. The stream is challenging.

I don't really agree with the restructure but recognise its not my decision. The senior managers have also confided in me that they are not happy with the changes and are looking for other opportunities.

The plan for my role is to move to another department but continue doing a similar role. I don't want to move to this other department. It's had issues, there has been a mass exodus since a new Director has joined and I don't think it will be a good working environment.

Having said that, if the workstream goes well, the CEO has indicated that I would have more choices on where I end up.

I can't decide which option is better - any thoughts from anyone in a similar situation previously?

1. I should stay, work on this stream (learning new things - I've not done this before) and hope that I'm able to prove myself and therefore have more influence over not going to the proposed department. I don't mind going to basically any other dept.

2. look for other options to get out now but lose the extra experience and miss out the chance to 'make a name' for myself on a special project from the CEO himself.

I have an interview for a secondment externally but this is only for 12 months and I'm worried if I come back, I'll be in the worst of all worlds.

Personally I’d do 1 and keep an eye on what else is available externally - this work may lead to the perfect job for you.
Having been part of a restructure don’t underestimate how hard it is though. But it’s great experience if you’ve not been involved.
I don’t understand how you can have a secondment externally though. If it’s external surely you’ll be resigning?

Do option 1 and don’t pay too much attention to this sort of grandstanding:

The senior managers have also confided in me that they are not happy with the changes and are looking for other opportunities.

I agree with @Iamthewombat

Thanks everyone!

The secondment is to a parent company that isn't involved in the restructure. Although, it is just an interview - no guarantee I'd be successful and I have very mixed feelings about it - 12 months isn't very long really.

Thanks @Iamthewombat - I've been very much trying to keep my head down and away from this kind of talk tbh but it's the same story from 4 of the 5 Directors so far. Who knows whether they actually intend to follow through but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't influencing me a little! These are people I trust, who have a lot of experience etc.

Really interesting thoughts so far - thank you!