Why Replacing Your Community Manager is a Risky Move

Have you ever heard the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”? Well, that’s a lesson that some companies could stand to learn when it comes to their community managers. You see, community managers are a special breed — they’re the glue that holds a community together. They know the ins and outs of the community, and they’ve built up trust with the members over time. So, when a company decides to replace a community manager, they’re playing with fire.

Think about it — when you’ve got a good thing going, why mess with it? When a community manager leaves, it can be a huge blow to the community. Members may feel like they’ve lost a friend or an ally, and they might wonder if the company even cares about them at all.

And let’s be real — finding a replacement for a community manager is no easy task. It’s not like you can just stick anyone in that role and expect them to pick up where the previous manager left off. Community management is an art, not a science, and it takes a special kind of person to do it well.

Even if the company finds a replacement community manager, there’s no guarantee that things will go smoothly. The new manager might struggle to gain the same level of trust and credibility as their predecessor, which can lead to confusion and frustration among community members.

Sometimes it’s best to just leave well enough alone. If a community manager is doing a good job and the community is thriving, why rock the boat? It was a bit heartbreaking to see that community managers were among the first to be laid off during the current downturn in the market. Instead, companies should focus on supporting their current community managers and giving them the resources they need to succeed.

Of course, if a community manager does leave, it’s important for the company to handle the transition with care. They should communicate clearly with the community and work to find a replacement who shares the same values and passion for community management.

So, let’s all raise a glass to the unsung heroes of community management!