My Journey In Pharma - The Others, The Borg Queen and Drones, Part 2

We all know how reorganizations start, right? As rumors. Sometimes the rumors were so unfathomable, you just ignore them and keep functioning despite them. I think the first change that occurred, was how the data entry of completed training was input. New codes needed to be put in. Hmmmmm...ok. No biggie. Suddenly, there is this training group at Corporate (who we'll call the "others") that feels like they're trying to infiltrate us. No worries. With JO as our gatekeeper, I didn't worry. Then, JO gets a promotion and for the first time in 4 years, I have a new supervisor....and then another...and then another...all within 3 years. My foundation was shattered and the rumors began to have a tinge of truth to them. Soon, we were going to be merged with ...(dun, dun, duhhhhh) :::scream:::...the "others"!

I had previous contact with some of the "others" because of the data entry changes that occurred and I have to say, it was always pleasant. As all this change is occurring, I noticed that I began to have more and more back issues. It began to be so severe, I had to go on medical leave. Shortly after returning from medical leave a MAJOR change occurred and we got an "other" as a supervisor. The consensus of the group was a combination of shock, surprise and horror. LOL The "others" became "The Borg" and we soon realized that "resistance was futile". "The Borg Queen" came to visit us to reassure us that our best interests were being considered, however, we didn't believe her. Almost instantly, my dream job ceased. In my opinion, our training team felt like an engine being told to keep functioning, however, we were given a different type of fuel to work with, a different engineer...and a whole lot of maintenance that needed to be done. All the while attempting to answer the questions from our devout customers, who had become accustomed to our one on one attention. Suddenly (to them) we were no longer at their beck and call. Now they had another "borg drone" that was supposed to field all of their questions. The Borg had taken over and I felt like I no longer had an identity.

I had spent almost 7 years, building a reputation of trust, integrity and leadership within our division (pre-Borg). I was appointed as a leader of a task force by the Executive Director. I was a trusted consultant to the executive leadership. I was a major diversity leader and advocate. Often, I was solicited by leadership to facilitate courses at their regional meetings around the US, Puerto Rico and Toronto. Suddenly, I felt yanked away from all that I had built and I, myself became nothing but a Borg drone.