Success & Transition Tips
New Role? New Company? The Challenge of Transition
Image by ThisIsEngineering from Unsplash
If you’re an Executive or Senior Leader, you've likely transitioned to roles in new companies by doing what has worked before. BE ALERT however - this can fail fast. To set yourself up for success in a new role at a new company, here are 10 common Transition Traps to avoid:
1 - STICKING WITH WHAT YOU KNOW
A new role may require new competencies, and/or that you STOP doing things you know well.
2 - SUFFERING FROM "ACTION-IMPERATIVE"
You act too soon to put your stamp on things. This can catalyze resistance toward even great initiatives.
3 - SETTING & NEGOTIATING EXPECTATIONS
Either you didn’t pre-negotiate benchmarks, or didn’t establish achievable objectives that meet the expectations of your boss & key stakeholders.
4 - TRYING TO DO IT ALL
You’re rushing off in all directions, hoping something will pay-off. Without focus on one or two initiatives however, credibility and momentum are lost.
5 - COMING IN WITH ALL THE ANSWERS
You reach conclusions too quickly and know it all. This alienates people and it squanders the opportunity to build knowledge, support & relationships.
6 - INADEQUATE OR WRONG-TYPE LEARNING
You don’t have a well-crafted plan and process for quickly acquiring needed info, and/or you spend too much time in areas you already know.
7 - NEGLECTING ALLIANCE-BUILDING
Too much time on vertical relationships (your boss, direct reports) and too little time with peers and stakeholders across the enterprise dilutes effectiveness.
8 - LACK CULTURAL & POLITICAL AWARENESS
What unwritten rules are at play? Be sure to learn the political ropes of your new company along with mission and cultural norms.
9 - LONELINESS and FAILURE TO SET UP COUNSEL
The typical leader has confidence and well-worn survival skills. Still, they traded familiarity for a situation that offers few simple answers. Leaders can become isolated because the same confidence that landed the job can lead people to hunker down and go it alone. DON'T GO IT ALONE. Build a team, and Advisory with whom you can grapple, brainstorm, and be honest.
10 - FAILURE TO SELF MANAGE within RESTED EDGE
There are times when the life of a high-level leader feels like drowning, which amplifies defensiveness in people. Along with a solid 100-day plan, develop positive personal disciplines. Become the master of your mood & personal agency AND your calendar, and take full responsibility for upgrading and aligning your mindset, energy, thoughts, words, stated-priorities, actual priorities, use-of-time, your attitude, and your actions.
Transition Coaching is a great fit and game-changer for Executives and Senior Leaders taking on new roles. Invest in yourself, your success & impact by building an Advisory that provides guidance, collaboration, and accountability. Good luck with the new venture, and LET”S GO.