New Manager initial meeting with a high performing team
Submitted by dmombo on Tue, 12/01/2009 - 01:57.
Any advice on how to conduct an initial meeting with a new team that is experienced and cohesive. I have only had a phone introduction to them but will meet them face to face in a few days. What type of intoductions or icebreakers should i conduct?
Persuasion
As soon as you can, establish your management trinity activities with each member of the team. A team is made up of individuals. To understand why the team is effective you will need to get to know them individually.
I think that the following podcasts could be helpful. I have used them extensively in situations where I was unsure about how my expertise would be perceived. Sounds like you have a wonderful opportunity, but maybe a little intimidating?
http://www.manager-tools.com/2007/11/how-to-be-persuasive-in-a-presentat... http://www.manager-tools.com/2007/11/how-to-be-persuasive-in-a-presentat...
Hope it helps!
Janet
I like the introductions podcast
I'd encourage you to start your meeting with introductions, as described here:
http://www.manager-tools.com/2005/12/december-2005-member-only-podcast/
Take notes. Look for things to ask about in one-on-ones. You might want to have one-on-one forms on which to take those notes.
And then talk about one-on-ones, why you do them and how they work. Tell them you'll send out an email with times to sign up.
That's probably enough for a first meeting, unless there's a reason you were brought in that they need to have explained. (e.g. if this is a merger, or you've been asked to start some new initiative right away.) Otherwise, this
http://www.manager-tools.com/2008/03/the-first-rule-for-new-managers
is good advice.
md-144
A few more thoughts...
The "icebreaker" exercise is a good one. You should go first.
Make it clear that you KNOW they're a cohesive team, and that your role is to help them, not shake things up. They might not say so, but most (if not all) of them are concerned that you'll come in and try to put your stamp on things, and therefore mess things up.
Critically, LISTEN. Let them do most of the talking. Ask questions, and make sure you listen carefully to their answers. Don't judge (and don't "add too much value"). Answer their questions clearly, showing that you are paying close attention to them.
John Hack