Moving into a new leadership role is a time of great challenge – and vulnerability. Transitions such as these are periods of growth. A new role gives you the opportunity to deliver on a challenging assignment and to engage your team in tackling important business issues. Too often, individuals begin by thinking only about the changes they want to make instead of first establishing themselves as a leader. It is also important to carefully manage your time, energy and attention. There are seven critical things you need to do during your first 60-90 days.
1 – Expectations
Understand your role and what is being asked of you. Moving into a new role means expectations are high. As soon as possible, clarify your role, your scope of responsibilities and authority, and what is expected, both short term and long term. You may need to manage those expectations. This is particularly important if you are expected to turn around a situation; you do not want to over commit to doing too much in too short a period of time.
2 – Impact
In your new role, think in terms of two time-frames for impact: things you will do immediately that impact current results and things you will do that lay the foundation for future results. For example, are there immediate problems that need to be addressed quickly? In terms of future results, think about the things that you can begin to do that will lay the foundation for stronger teamwork and collaboration, establish or reinforce the culture, etc.
3 – Don’t Worry About What You Don’t Know
Focus on what you need to know to address immediate problems or issues. Specifically, what is it you either don’t know or need to know to move forward? Start by defining the challenge you’re facing and what you need in order to solve it. Over your first few months, you can systematically acquire all the information you need.
4 – Ask Good Questions
Great leaders don’t have all the answers, but they usually have the ability to ask insightful questions. In your new role, be ready to inquire more deeply to unearth important issues. When you improve the quality and quantity of questions you ask, you increase the potentially valuable information you receive.
5 – Let Others Experience Your Leadership
Use your existing strengths to meet the new leadership expectations. This includes figuring out how you want to lead and demonstrating those strengths. You can think about the strengths you have observed in others, but being yourself is what matters most. This approach will provide you with valuable feedback and enable you to refine your leadership skills.
6 – Draw From Other People’s Experience And Expertise
Leaders seldom face truly unique challenges. Thus, there may be someone who has insights that will benefit you. The next question is: “Who do I ask?” When you think “who”, focus on three things: understanding, experience and expertise. Understanding means the person you consult is familiar with your situation and can provide suggestions within that context. Experience means the person has a track record. Expertise is a combination of experience, knowledge and insight.
7 – Do Not Be Afraid To Make Decisions
Sometimes a timely response requires doing something quickly, even if you know it isn’t the perfect solution. For example, responding to a client’s crisis — or even a simple complaint — should be thoughtfully considered, but an imperfect response quickly taken is better than a perfect response that comes too late.
Questions about handling your leadership role – new or old? Contact Avery Payne Group by calling 708-466-7754 or replying to this email. Our coaching and leadership training can help!