Now what? There’s nothing as exciting, or scary, as accepting a huge promotion. When you make that big move– taking over the top job at a company, unit or department–anything can happen if you’re not prepared and proactive. Fast Company magazine offers these tips for making a smooth transition.
– Begin your transition before you start the job. Use the interview process to get an early jump on learning about the organization.
– Travel widely within your organization, listen carefully and look for patterns in everything you see and hear.
– As you ask questions, look for the rising stars whom you want as part of your team.
– Identify the kind of people who will flourish in the environment you want to establish.
– After you’ve identified the ideal individual, identify the ideal group you need to make up your team.
– Acknowledge what you don’t know. Identify those around you who are the experts and don’t be afraid to lean on them.
– Don’t be afraid to listen to people who disagree.
– But clean house if you have to.
– Establish a way to communicate with–and listen to–your entire team.
– Don’t trash your predecessor, but don’t be shy about promoting your own agenda.
– Settle on a few major priorities. You can’t fix it all at once.
– Meet the customers. Balance the big-picture vision with front-line views.
– Target a few early wins. Momentum counts, and nothing succeeds like success.
– Keep an eye on the clock. Faster is almost always better.
– Don’t be afraid to make mistakes but be sure to fix them fast.
– Don’t be afraid to look for ideas in unusual places.
– Finally, ask yourself who do you really want to prevail, you or your organization?
