Page 46 - Just Promoted A 12 Month Road Map for Success in Your New Leadership Role

Entering the Organization 31

■ Indicate that you will make every effort to use their expertise and expe-
rience. And mean it when you say it because many of them are your
most experienced and competent people. If they weren’t good, they
would not have been considered for the job.
■ Acknowledge that some may be thinking about their future and their
alternatives, but that this must not interfere with their responsibilities.
Assure them that their future in this organization is their choice, and
that the organization needs their energy and skills (assuming that is
how you feel).
■ Emphasize that their individual success is a credit to the organization
and the fact that they have grown in attaining skills and knowledge is
attributable, in large part, to the work they have done in the department
or team. Assure them that you want to help them continue to be success-
ful in their jobs and in their future with the company. You intend to
become an advocate for the organization’s members.

Personally Connecting with People
On this first day, try to talk to as many people as possible. Begin with those
who report to you directly. Stop and introduce yourself to everyone you can,
including administrative assistants, line employees, and professional staff.
When possible, go to their offices or work areas. In some cases, with virtual
teams or global staff, this may not be possible. In those cases, try to contact
them by phone and let them know when you will be able to plan a visit to their
location. Going to meet your new staff members at their locations has a num-
ber of advantages:

■ At first they may feel some natural distance, which may create reticence.
You are not yet part of the group, and you are their new boss. Things are
no longer quite the same, nor should you expect them to be. Going to
their work location is a way to indicate that you want to work with them
and that you seek their active cooperation.
■ By visiting them in their work location, you show that you value them.
■ They will be more comfortable in their own surroundings.

Visiting also establishes you as someone who will reach out and who wants
to be accessible and “hands on,” which is a good first impression to reinforce.
Because some of your new staff may be in global assignments, try to plan
a visit to their locations as soon as it is feasible. Let them know when you will