Are you about to become the new manager of a
department, section, or facility? Congratulations!
(See September's blog, http://bit.ly/1W4F336)
Here are three
first steps to start you toward success.
Your first step is…to stand
still and breathe. Unless your new staff is doing something right
this minute that can end your career today, you will accomplish
more by observing than you will by risking a misstep due to your momentary lack
of knowledge. Think of the adage about fools rushing in. Even if you are
already familiar with the department you have not experienced its culture and dynamics from this
vantage point.
Your second step is to examine your new
arena. Take notes. Check the statistics, investigate what is being tracked, and
how. What metrics need adjustment? Who is on your team, what are their strengths, who are your internal
vendors and customers? Which areas need improvement? This is your best
opportunity to make a thorough assessment of the department, the challenges,
and the talent you have inherited.
Bear in mind that the staff has legitimate,
time-honored reasons for their methods. What appears to be inefficient or outmoded
has served a purpose in the past. So be humble, be respectful, and check your
assumptions by asking questions as you move forward.
Step number three is to analyze your
findings and create action plans based on priorities you have identified, in
addition to any priorities your own manager may have outlined. You have learned
what the issues are, who your ‘go to’ members are, and you have made astute observations.
These three first steps have prepared you to be a successful leader.
