Dumbfounded - Manager Grace Management Employee Review

Grace Management took over a property at which I was a department head. They blew in, never asked the mgmt staff any questions, and started implementing all their own procedures, regardless of what was working or not working. Some of our processes were automated – theirs were paper. We were handed a 3-in binder full of documents and ordered to use them. They walked around the property never making eye contact or saying two words to staff, but sweet talking residents. They assembled all staff at a mandatory meeting and read (literally) the employee handbook. We found out later this is apparently a favorite pastime of the owner. It was presented dramatically, and included a list of infractions for which one could be dismissed – I watched as my staff’s morale evaporated before my eyes. When we managers asked questions about Grace’s rules vs. state labor laws we were answered with raised voices and stern looks. As a good leader I wasn’t about to cause a scene in front of my people, but this was a humiliating experience for the staff and I was embarrassed as a manager to subject them to this. The owners had a meeting with residents and were decimated with questions for which they were not prepared. The company became an instant laughingstock among residents. The residents had more pity on us than concern for themselves over a management change. Grace destroyed our operating budget. Everyone complains about not having enough money or resources, but the initial demands were not mathematically possible. They yielded some as we demonstrated it, but it was run by a pauper mentality. The company makes money in spite of its actions. My impression was that Grace is typically brought in to manage distressed properties. We were not such a property, but were on the auction block because our parent company had badly managed our division. Grace stepped in and destroyed an organization that was a profit machine, had a great staff with high morale, and had relatively happy residents (how happy are seniors?). Within the first two months some of our best talent left for greener pastures. Grace has since left the building, but the damage was done. Fortunately a new ownership group had taken over and given the remaining management a chance to rebuild.