- Peter Barron Stark
Landing The Big Job
There is something very exciting, and candidly hard to describe, about starting a new job, particularly one that is much bigger than the previous one. The exhiliration, the opportunity, and the pressure to perform all coalesce into one big burst of energy.
In most cases, new leaders struggle a bit in the beginning, not because they lack the skill set necessary to do the job; but, because they simply try too hard to prove they are worthy.
This is a dangerous misstep if they take things too far.
Consider these important points:
- the organization survived and thrived long before you arrived
- make sure you understand the effort, risks, and courageous moves that have been made prior to your arrival
- moving too quickly, in word or deed, can jeopardize your credibility very quickly
Remember, you are new...not all powerful. You are being evaluated at every turn.
Go Slow To Go Fast
I learned a valuable lesson when I worked for Johns Hopkins when the new CEO joined the organization in Baltimore. He is passionate about leadership, and leadership behavior. During his first six months on the job, he did one very important thing...
...he listened and learned.
He told me that he was not there to change the culture, or fix something. He was there to take that incredible organization forward in new and exciting ways. But he had to learn about the organization first, and take action second.
That my friends, is a very different philosophy than acting like an arrogant know-it-all savior that has just arrived to solve all of the problems in an organization.
How About You
Who do you know that is talented, motivated, and excited to make a real difference? Are they moving a bit too fast? Perhaps it's time to pull them aside and provide the coaching those of us who've been at this a while can provide?
I'd love to hear from you.
No Excuses.
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Article source:Jay Kuhns, SPHR - Leave Me Alone, I Know What I'm Doing»
Check out more of Jay Kuhns' work at No Excuses HR
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