Transitioning Into a Leadership Role
Set Yourself Up for Success
Before starting a new role, take time to prepare by visualizing success, understanding the organization’s culture, and identifying key relationships, as this groundwork will help you build momentum and credibility for a successful transition.
Create Early Momentum
In this video lesson, Professor Michael Watkins emphasizes the importance of securing early wins in a new leadership role to build a positive reputation and momentum, while also considering the organization's culture and goals to ensure effective execution.
Speed Up the Learning Process
In this video lesson, Professor Michael Watkins emphasizes the importance of understanding organizational culture and politics through observation and inquiry, advising new employees to ask questions, conduct interviews, and seek external insights to adapt quickly to their new roles.
Apply the Right Strategy
In a video lesson, Professor Michael Watkins emphasizes that new leaders should take time to understand an organization's culture and needs before implementing changes, as moving too quickly can lead to rejection and resistance from employees.
Get the Most Out of Your New Team
Ecosystems, like teams, are sensitive to change; new leaders must strategically manage roles and relationships to ensure balance, reengage disappointed team members, and recalibrate dynamics to effectively guide their teams toward shared goals.
Making the transition into a new leadership role can require precarious maneuvering. To make sure you thrive and succeed at achieving your objectives, Michael Watkins recommends cultivating a deep understanding of the organization’s culture. Additionally, assessing the organization’s circumstances and needs will help you evolve your team and your leadership style accordingly. By following Watkins’ advice, you can gain the support of superiors and reports while navigating this process.
Learning Objectives
- Diagnose organizational problems or needs.
- Tailor your leadership actions to organizational norms and culture.
- Build a roadmap for your leadership goals and strategies.
- Secure early wins.
- Build credibility and balance on your new team.