Submitted by DrMaltz on
in
Forums
All,
I'm moving to a new manager position (brought in from the outside) to take over a team. What are some of the first things I should in my first week to start building the relationship with my team, understanding my boss' objectives/goals for the team, etc..? I don't want to make (major) mistakes so any information /advice you can provide would be very helpful.
Thanks.
First Week as a New Manager [Advice]
You might be surprised, but the answer is nothing. You should start O3s now, but spend the first 60-90 days fitting in.
Review "The First Rule for New Manager" from 3/28/08.
As far as understanding, you're right with what you need. Talk through things with your manager, talk it through with others who are impacted. But you're not doing anything.
Brian
First Week as a New Manager [Advice]
Your not "Doing" anything but you ARE DOING SOMETHING. Confused?
Brian is right...but let me clarify a little more.
Observing, gathering data making nice with your new staff/boss(O3's) and planning are DOING something. You are not re-organizing the department, firing people, hiring people, coaching, changing processes, getting new suppliers, changing product designs...etc.
First Week as a New Manager [Advice]
The more understandable answer than "nothing" is "Research."
Meet with your boss and find out what his goals for you are. Find out what nagging pain points the department has.
Meet with your internal clients and find out what they need from your department.
Meet with your directs. Find out what they need from you and what pain points they have.
I highly recommend Michael Watkins' book, The First 90 Days, which has excellent tips for getting this information from your boss, internal clients, and directs.
The best way to avoid major mistakes is to understand the company, including its culture, processes, methods, and existing relationships before you do anything. You can make a lot of embarrassing mistakes if you take actions in situations you don't know enough about (which is oddly true throughout your career.)
First Week as a New Manager [Advice]
LOL - yes, I suppose I didn't say that very well.
Your goal for the first 90 days is fitting in, understanding the environment, understanding the politics and not rocking the boat. Maybe you float a few trial balloons to test your ideas.
After 90 days, you can decide what needs fixing and how it should be done. As was stated in a similar thread, you're switching from research to action.
Brian