Which rank to join & how to negotiate ranking?

The best thing to do is what you feel most comfortable with. Most importantly do not let being counseled out affect your future. It happened, you learned what you had to and now you're doing to do really well in your new job as a result. 

If you feel like you need a year to settle in do so. Otherwise just accept that any experience is valid experience, believe in yourself (they certainly believe in you) and let things play out. 

All the best to you 

Hi there,

First of all, really nice work bouncing back! Not easy to be managed out, but you've landed back on your feet and you should feel proud of this.

1. Is the specific ranking (M1/M2; e.g. Manager Year 1 or Year 2) something that is usually “negotiable”? Or, in practice does the company decide the ranking and there is no space to negotiate?

In the vast majority of instance they will just tell you where they are putting you. That said, I have seen instances where they let you choose. It's ok to have an open discussion with them to get their thoughts - they want you to succeed!

2. Due to my previous unfortunate experience of being counseled out, I am now in a “risk off” mood. Would the expectation be fundamentally different if I am in the M1 / M2 position?

I think you need to think about how you would feel.

I am getting a very strong feeling from your post that your GUT is telling you M1. Trust your gut…it really sounds like you would not feel comfortable with M2…which means you'd likely work yourself up, add pressure, etc.

3. In order to play safe, is it better to aim for a lower ranking (M1), so that I can have some space to ramp up? 

See my answer to your Q2. You need to trust your gut here…everything in your post/wording screams to me that you, individually, are not comfortable with M2. Trust yourself and listen to yourself.

Hi there!

First of all, congrats! It's great to see that you picked yourself up and got another offer.

In short, yes, aim lower, for multiple reasons. 

But mainly, because you were counseled out and probably don't feel too great about your performance. So being put into a tense environment with huge expectations might not serve you very well. 

When you have the call with HR about the actual position, don't negotiate it up. If they happen to give you the more senior role, I'd go for it, but I would definitely not push for it. Play the long-term game, you're going to get there eventually. 

Then in terms of the performance issues, sharing with you two articles that synthesise my learnings after having my own performance issues in consulting:

• Free Guide: How to Become A Distinctive Consultant
• Free Guide: How to Manage for Lifestyle in Consulting

Best,
Cristian 

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