In his bestsellers Brand Warfare and Career Warfare, author David D'Alessandro offered sharp advice for building a brand and building a career. His new book, Executive Warfare is the advanced class for the truly ambitious. The book covers what it takes to rise to the top-and to do the even harder thing, which is survive there.  In anticipation of the book’s release, David provided some exclusive suggestions to Water Cooler Wisdom readers regarding on how can survive a merger:

David says:  “Mergers and acquisitions are always a time of angst and anxiety for just about everyone involved. Trying to keep your job or even get a better one should be the goal.  The easiest way to almost assure that you will at least keep your job for the immediate future is to volunteer to join the inevitable transition teams that are created company-wide and often in departments. People from both firms participate and often determine the course of action for merging departments, people, budgets, projects etc. During this period the people on the transition teams are very powerful and can usually preserve and sometimes enhance their careers. They are in the great position to see and hear all that goes on.  It is less likely others on the team will recommend a transition player be eliminated. It happens, but your odds are much better if you are in the tent.”

 “Also remember,” says David, “that there are no mergers of equals as announcement press releases often state.  One culture will win. Identify which one early and get closer to the people driving that culture in your area. You will be seen as one of them and not the dreaded one of those.”