The first 90 days in a leadership role are
important. This is when you create an impact (or not!) and set the tone for the way you’ll be leading in the future. Whether you’re chief executive or team leader, everyone is watching to see how you behave and what you can do.
You want to be impressive but you don’t want to barge in ‘fixing’ things left, right and centre like some kind of super-hero.
So, how can you handle these all-important first few months?
By asking great questions and doing lots of listening.
First of all, you want to ask your team members and peers some powerful questions:
What do you love about your job?
What are we doing really well, do you think?
What is your biggest day-to-day challenge?
What do you think are the biggest challenges for the organisation right now?
What do you think we should be doing differently?
What would you do now if you were me?
What would you not like me to do?
What questions do you have for me?
Then, listen deeply to the answers. No interruptions. No justifications. Just listening and acknowledging.
When you ask powerful questions and really listen to the answers, positive or negative, you gather essential information about what’s really going on, and show people you value their contributions and want to learn from them. Both of which are essential for the many decisions and actions you’ll be taking very soon.
Until 19 March I have five 50-minute coaching calls to give away to new leaders to identify exactly what they need to do in their first 90 days in order to shine. Join my mailing list here, to apply.
For on-going help with growing fabulous leaders and managers in your third sector organisation contact me here or call 0208 772 7808 for a no-obligation chat.