Jump Start Your First 30 Days as a Leader in a New Company
Hello, all you new leaders or old leaders with new roles out there! Buckle up because you're in for an exhilarating first month at your new gig. I'm here to guide you through these crucial 30 days, where you'll set the tone for your leadership style, build pivotal relationships, and find that sweet spot between technical expertise and people management.
Week 1: The Art of First Impressions
Getting Acquainted
Your first week? It's all about introductions. You're the new face in the building, and it's time to make your presence known – in the most positive way, of course.
Meet Your Team: Schedule one-on-ones with each of your direct reports. It's your chance to understand their roles, challenges, and aspirations. Remember, the more you know about them, the better you can support their growth.
Connect with Peers: Set up casual coffee chats with fellow leaders. They'll be your allies and sounding boards, so start building those bridges early.
Introduce Yourself to Key Stakeholders: Identify the critical stakeholders in your orbit and make a beeline to introduce yourself. These are the folks you'll collaborate with, so it's best to get on their radar from the get-go.
🎬 Action Item: Plan a team meeting to introduce yourself. Keep it light yet informative. Share your leadership philosophy, but also show that you're eager to listen and learn.
Week 2: Laying Down the Foundation
Building Relationships and Gathering Insights
Now, let's dig deeper. You've made your introductions, but it's time to build on that foundation.
Deepen Team Connections: Go beyond professional discussions. Get to know your team members as people. What motivates them? What challenges do they face outside of work?
Understand the Culture: Every company has its own vibe. Spend time understanding the unwritten rules. Observe, listen, and adapt where necessary.
Get the Lay of the Land: Start mapping out the organization's challenges and opportunities. This will help you in crafting your strategy moving forward.
🎬 Action Item: Schedule a follow-up meeting with each direct report to delve into their current projects and longer-term career goals.
Week 3: Initiating Targeted Learning
Balancing Technical Leadership and People Management
Alright, now it's time to get strategic with your learning. You've got to juggle technical leadership with people management, and it's no small feat.
Identify Learning Areas: Based on your interactions so far, identify key areas where you need to improve your skills, be it technical knowledge or leadership skills.
Seek Mentors and Resources: Find mentors within the organization who can provide guidance. Also, look for relevant courses or workshops that align with your learning goals.
🎬 Action Item: Develop a personal learning plan. Set specific goals for the development of both your technical and leadership skills. I can help with this!
Week 4: Setting the Stage for Success
Laying Out Your Vision and Strategy
You've built relationships, gathered insights, and started your targeted learning. Now, it's time to communicate your vision and strategy.
Share Your Vision: Host a team meeting to share your observations, your vision for the team, and how you plan to tackle upcoming challenges.
Encourage Feedback: This isn't a one-way street. Invite feedback from your team. Their insights can be incredibly valuable in refining your strategy.
Set Clear Expectations: Be clear about your expectations and how you plan to measure success. This helps in aligning the team's efforts with organizational goals.
🎬 Action Item: Create a "First 30 Days" reflection document. Assess what worked, what didn’t, and how you plan to move forward.
Congrats, you've made it through your first month! Remember, this is just the beginning. Leadership is a journey, not a destination. Keep building those relationships, keep learning, and keep refining your approach. You've got this, and remember – I'm here to help you navigate these waters.
Here’s a curated list of other resources if further reading (or listening) would be helpful!
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💡Pro Tip: Steering Clear of the "Bull in a China Shop" Scenario
We've all heard the saying, "like a bull in a china shop," and though I'm not a fan of the phrase, it does paint a clear picture of what we want to avoid as new leaders. It's about striking a balance between assertiveness and sensitivity. Here's how:
1. Listen More Than You Speak: In your first month, your primary goal is to understand, not to overhaul. By listening more than speaking, you avoid making hasty decisions that might unnecessarily upset the existing balance.
2. Reflect Before Reacting: It's easy to jump into action mode, but pause and reflect on the potential impact of your decisions. This reflective approach respects the existing processes and the people behind them.
3. Seek Input: Make decisions inclusively. Seek opinions and input from your team and peers. This not only builds trust but also provides you with different perspectives that can enhance your decision-making.
4. Gradual Changes: If changes are necessary, implement them gradually. Abrupt changes can be disruptive and unsettling. Gradual implementation allows people to adapt and embrace new ways of working.
5. Communicate Transparently: Be open about your plans and intentions. Clear and transparent communication can prevent misunderstandings and resistance to change.
By following these tips, you can make a positive impact without being perceived as disruptive or overbearing. Remember, effective leadership is about guiding change, not forcing it.