I hope you’re following along as we countdown the final 100 days of 2022 - you can join us anytime. Learn more about the program HERE.

A friend of mine reached out recently for some advice.  This is her first experience starting with a new company and as a new manager.  She is uncertain about how to approach her new team; where is the best place to start.  If you find yourself in this situation, here are a few things to consider:

• Who are the people on your team and what do you know about them?  When you are new to an organization, there may be people who want to offer their opinions on the team members now being entrusted to you.  If possible, graciously decline the offer to hear their thoughts until you have an opportunity to formulate your own opinions.  There may be so many reasons an employee did or did not respond well before you got there.  Evaluating people without preconceived ideas is always a better choice.  The exception to this is if you inherit someone on a performance improvement plan.  If so, speak with someone in Human Resources to obtain more information as early as possible so you know how to navigate this effectively.

• Are the people on the team contributors or clock watchers?  This will reveal itself over time.  If you find you have clock watchers, do your best to find out why.  Do they not understand and feel the vision of the organization?  Do they not feel seen, valued, and heard?  Before deciding if someone is not a fit, invest in a deeper conversation with the team member to get to the root of their issue(s).  You may find a diamond in the rough who is wants to feel like they belong.

• Does the team want to win or are they okay with being mediocre?  One of the toughest, but most rewarding challenges is getting a team excited and aligned with their goals.  If your predecessor was not focused on trying to bring out the best in the team, it may explain a lackluster response.  Show the team that that is not your way, and you are committed to creating a best-in-class department!  

Most people share a common thread of wanting to be on the winning side.  Winning feels good and creates job satisfaction.  When teams see they have a leader who wants them to win and to bring out the best in them, most people will respond favorably to it.  If they don’t, then you will need to take steps to make changes.  

As a new leader, get to know your team first.  Come to your own conclusions.  Evaluate what you need to do to rally your team and invest in bringing out the best in them!