How To Get Started in a New Leadership Position

by Denise O'Berry

I have just accepted a Director’s role in a Contact Center within the Telecommunication industry. I am very excited but at the same time, a little nervous of what to expect as far as welcoming from the current Operations Managers and Supervisors. I would like a few tips on how to break the ice on the first few days.

The Team Doc Says…

Congratulations on your new position!

What an opportunity you have before you. Your best bet is to make sure you get out and about and learn what matters to the people who are on your team.

One of the best tools to guide you is the book The First 90 Days: Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders at All Levels. It will help you create an action plan to get the most out of your first three months on the job and set you up for success.

Do you have additional suggestions reader? Please leave a comment.

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More info on this topic at:

  1. How To Reengage Team Members
  2. What’s the Best Way to Move Into a Leadership Role?
  3. Fieldbook Of Team Interventions
  4. How to Handle a Team Leader Who Barks Orders
  5. How to Work for a Boss Who Doesn’t Believe in Teamwork

{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

John Agno December 14, 2008 at 3:01 pm

Four out of ten newly promoted managers and executives fail within 18 months of starting new jobs, according to research by Manchester, Inc, a leadership development firm in Bala Cynwyd, PA. “Failing” includes being terminated for performance, performing significantly below expectations or voluntarily resigning from the new position.

Onboarding coaching helps the executive more quickly adapt to the employer’s culture, create rapport with his or her immediate team and find productive ways to achieve necessary goals.

Yet, the practical realities of your situation may not allow for a coach. After all, a coach can be expensive and if your new company isn’t willing to pay for it, you may not want to bear the expense yourself.

Denise O'Berry December 14, 2008 at 4:32 pm

John — I agree that onboarding is a critical process — for all employees — but particularly for those hired into leadership positions. Coaching is a great solution to that problem. If a leader wants to be successful and the company won’t foot the bill, it would be well worth it to cover it yourself. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.

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