Page 43 - Just Promoted A 12 Month Road Map for Success in Your New Leadership Role

28 Just Promoted!

If there has been open competition for the job, your boss or a human
resources professional should personally inform the internal candidates.
Because they will not hold onto this information once they know, the meet-
ing should take place as soon as possible before the announcement. If you have
been moved in from another in-house function, simultaneously meet with col-
leagues in your old department to share the news of your new job. Your pre-
vious boss should always be the first to know. Let people know in person. If a
replacement for you is known, help make the transition for that person eas-
ier; it is an act of goodwill for your former department.
In Chapter 1 we discussed the questions that your new staff will have as
you start your new leadership role. They will be concerned about how their
jobs will be impacted. They will want to know about changes you intend to
make. Will their voice be heard as you think about changes in the business,
department, or team? You can expect questions about operational procedures
and how you intend to correct problem situations. Your staff may express these
questions openly, or they may wonder about them silently. In either case, it is
too early for you to be ready to answer these questions. It is important that
you listen to your staff’s concerns and let them know that you will address
them in due time.
Plan on meeting with your new team, including support staff, as soon as
possible. If at all possible, try to meet with your new staff within the hour of
the announcement. A group meeting underscores your message that we are
all part of one team in which each person individually and the organization
as a whole are what counts. This meeting should be followed quickly with indi-
vidual sessions, starting with key people, using the following guidelines:

■ Keep the meeting short. Your overall tone and style will make as much
of an impression as your specific message.
■ Be positive. Project confidence, strength, and optimism.
■ Be open, direct, and frank.
■ It is a new beginning, for both you and your new staff. Be upbeat.
Briefly describe your background and qualifications. Be humble yet con-
fident. Project the following:
■ Convey the sentiment that you are honored and glad to be working
with the business, department, team, or school and to have this new
challenge.