Page 79 - Just Promoted A 12 Month Road Map for Success in Your New Leadership Role

64 Just Promoted!

7. I’d like to talk to you about my goals in this new position. The two or
three major accomplishments I need to achieve this year are:
_____________________________________________ .

8. What thoughts or concerns do you have about these goals? How do they
impact you and your people?
9. What are the political forces I should understand as my unit tries to
accomplish these goals? Are there any people in the organization who
might be openly or less openly against our achieving them?
10. I see the following people as key to the success of these goals:

11. Do you have any advice about approaching these people for their sup-
port? Are there any other people I should be talking to (either in your
department or elsewhere)?
12. In general, what are your expectations of ___________________
[our department] for the future?
13. How can we stay linked in terms of your needs to meet your business
plan? (Probe for ways to assure communication, coordination, and
collaboration.)
14. Could I attend one of your staff meetings sometime soon to learn
more about your business? Would you like to attend one of my staff
meetings?
15. What other advice do you have for me in working in this organizational
culture? What are some of the unwritten rules?

Early Resentment: Piranhas and Icebergs

Not all relationships will be positive ones. We have already mentioned that
candidates who were not selected may be resentful and ready to criticize. Don’t
underestimate their resentment. One newly named hotel manager had been
promoted from her previous position as the director of food service, and it
was a surprising and substantial promotion. More than a few staff members
felt that she was unqualified; some suggested it had been an affirmative action
promotion. While some opponents resigned within her first month on the job,
others who stayed were more passive-aggressive, withholding information, not