Anticipating the New Boss

This is my first time experiencing a change in direct leadership. The impending boss visiting next week consumed my mind. His vision, his strategy, his team, and if I will continue to play a part in the equation. I have yet have the initial dialogue or meeting. The focus for me is to convey my value proposition.

Who am I?
What have I done in the past?
What am I currently doing?
And what can I deliver going forward?

The interview process all over again

Do not underestimate the introductory meeting. It is effectively an interview. It is his/her time to identify if you are the right person for his/her new team, that your attitude and values are in alignment with his/hers, and to cross reference assessments from your colleagues. It is your time to be enthusiastic, articulate, results-oriented, and be honest.

Get to know the new boss

Communication is the key. You want to understand his/her communication style, his/her objectives, and what he/she expects from you. It helps to find similar grounds and commonalities at a personal level. Be professional and stay focus. He/she will be your best sponsor to achieve your professional goals. So listen, ask, and learn.

Time to Build Trust

Building a team he/her can trust is vital to achieving his/her objectives and especially when this is a new role and opportunity. There will be challenges ahead and with new leadership; you should expect and accept changes. You have to be upfront with him/her about the issues and pressure points. Highlight with solutions. It should be a list of action items to address issues not a list of complaints. Your role is to get him/her up the speed, help him/her understand the business from your perspective, formulate strategy, and deliver results. I firmly believe I win when the group win as a whole. Show him/her your commitment, dedication, and your value to the team.

Delivery

How does one plan on an honest initial dialogue with whom you have never met before? He/she most likely have a preconceived idea of you from others and perhaps already have plans in mind.

The way I tackle it is..

First, I have to make sure this is the right path for me and that I’m ready to fight for it.

Second, I have to re-evaluate my existing growth plan and revise to amplify my strengths, grow in confidence, and mature in capabilities.

Third, this is a clean slate. I have the opportunity to formulate a new action plan and deliverables for my growth and growth for the team as a whole.

Fourth, continue to listen, learn, assess, learn, reassess, and learn.

Whatever happens; I am ready. After all there are a lot of opportunities and this is just the beginning.