Page 285 - Just Promoted A 12 Month Road Map for Success in Your New Leadership Role

270 Just Promoted!

■ If the downside of your management appointment appears too great, be
careful that your ego and need for “stroking” are not the overriding fac-
tors in making your decision to accept a new leadership role. Get input
and feedback from those you trust.
■ When relocations, expatriations, and repatriations are involved, be cer-
tain to think through what it would really mean for everyone affected.
Anticipate potential issues. Revisit typical areas of personal conflict.
■ Rehearse the move. What needs to be anticipated? Talk to others who
have experienced relocations and learn from them. Research good books
and guides (available from Realtors, corporate relocation services, and
contemporary bookstores).
■ Identify and respond to the needs of each family member. Investigate the
new geographic area ahead of time and repeatedly, if possible. Involve
the family. Go there to shop, go to movies, visit recreational facilities,
and visit other places that you are likely to frequent or rely on.
■ Ask questions, questions, and more questions. Minimize your surprises.
■ Maintain emotional bridges to your old home. This could include taking
items of emotional meaning from your existing home or staying in
touch with those who are important to you.
■ Plan and then make the move as a family.
■ Anticipate the costs and financial realities of a move. Relocations are
expensive. There are both obvious and hidden costs. Identify as many as
possible in advance. Tap into books, local civic groups, and people who
already live in the area.
■ If needed and appropriate, request and negotiate exceptions to your
company’s relocation package to help cope with the many expenses of
moving. These are sometimes granted if requested.
■ Try to meet new colleagues and neighbors in advance. They can be very
helpful to you and remove some unknowns.
■ When a second career of a spouse or partner is involved, dedicate your-
self to successfully reestablishing his or her career or make an accommo-
dation so your spouse or partner can continue his or her career. In doing
this, utilize your company’s resources and connections with other
organizations in the area. Many companies will allow you to make a
flexible work arrangement during a transition period or on an ongoing
arrangement. Negotiate a flexible work arrangement, if needed, during
the interviewing or recruiting period.