New Leaders Need to Take It Slow at First

Finally, someone recognized what a good job you have been doing. Not only did you receive congratulations and a raise, but you have also been promoted. First you deserve to celebrate; then you need to get down to business.

Of course you want to make an impressive beginning in this new position. But take it easy. The impact you want is not to fail, but to succeed. If you tackle too many jobs at once, you invite failure. The far safer and wiser course is to be selective.

Create clear performance targets that make sense. Ensure that your performance management process is fair, consistent and transparent. Choose the most critical moves…moves that will support the organization’s overall objectives as well as your own performance goals.

Then as you assemble your team, be absolutely clear on the roles team members will play and how they will contribute to end results. This is the way you, as a new supervisor or manager, will enlist the support of your new team and ultimately achieve the success you seek. Then, just watch for that next recognition and promotion!