A few weeks ago, a number of community minded Sun City residents experienced what appeared to be one of those rare communal issues or, at least, what had the making of an issue. Word got out that changes in staffing resulted in the loss of a long time employee followed by another rumor that a second staff member likewise was amongst the unemployed, followed by yet another report that a third staff member resigned his position.
All of that sounded like the Sun City staffing team was under some type of organizational siege. The best description of the rumors was an unfounded panic not unlike the fairy tale when CHICKEN LITTLE cried out, “The sky is falling … The sky is falling.”
Not knowing or having all the facts immediately prompted the Sun City rumor mill to run rampant.
Snow birds who were alerted to the news joined in the concern via email. What’s going on? Is this place falling apart? These were some of the concerns voiced here at home and from the sunny climes of Snow Bird land.
Well neither of the concerns happened. The place is not falling apart, far from it, and not likely to fall apart, if ever. What did happen was a result of a study supported by Management and the Board, regarding how many people the community needed to do work that needed to be done and then re-evaluate staffing requirements to get the jobs done. The Executive Director and Board, in a very professional way, did everything they needed to do to explain exactly what happened and why it happened. Time was not on their side. The rumor mill got a head start but was soon replaced with timely answers to questions. Some of the questions were of the CHICKEN LITTLE variety and some were asked in a thoughtful, business-like manner.
One of the less emotional comments made by a resident at the Board meeting questioned why the management company and Board didn’t conduct the productivity study years ago. There wasn’t an answer to the question. One might surmise that it was just one of those things that Management and The Board decided to do it now. We might take comfort in accepting that it’s better that it happened now rather than never.
We might also take comfort in having less faith in the rumor mill and instead get the facts straight from management and the Board. Of course, you will have to decide whether you are getting the facts straight. The presumption has to be that residents will be given accurate and complete facts.
By the way, news about whatever staffing changes came about, or will come about, and who replaced whom, or will replace whom, have yet to be made available to the residents. That news is forthcoming.
CHICKEN LITTLE can rest easily, at least until the next rumor rampage.
Jim Darow
Neighborhood 5
