New Position/New Team Introductions

In a similar position and picking the team up formally in Feb. Only a small team. 

I used the introduction from the departing manager to introduce myself to the team. I waited a few days and then sent out a short note basically saying hello and making reference to the 'start date'. I found most of the team reached out which allowed me to have informal conversations and get up to speed.

I've done this a few times (taking on a team) and this is really the first time I've sat back and planned my approach. Really keen to hear what works for others. 

Regards, 

Gareth

I am moving to a new company. I will be handling 4 directs. I've listened to the 90-day job plan and new manager podcasts a couple of times already and was just wondering if there are any other guidance you can share? 

The casts mentioned no changes, save for starting O3s. Thing is, there are no staff meetings being done as well. And I was thinking of using that as an avenue to announce the O3s. Maybe this is an exemption wherein I can make 2 changes immediately? 

Here's a little more background:

I'm officially starting on the 31st, but have been coming in once a week for a half-day turnover from the previous guy. My only contact with my team has been very short, just enough for some greetings and small talks. I mentioned previous guy and not manager because they were all at the same level before. I'm coming in on a "new position." 

Obviously, my directs have been there longer and 2 of them enter the same time as the person i'm replacing.  During one of the turnovers, my boss said that she announced that I will be the manager. I was told that one of the directs openly said something to the effect of "why is he going to be our manager when before, ____ is at our level". 

I'm not sure to what extent they explained the changes to them, but during my turnovers, I already have a grasp of my role and the team's role and how I'm thinking of developing them (based on the stories I heard from the outgoing guy). 

So yeah, I have my notes, I have my scripts (O3 rollout), i have my experience from doing the Trinity for almost 2 years. But I still feel so inadequate. Everything is new - people, culture, industry, environment. 

Well you now know you have some things to address. In addition to the plan you outlined, I recommend that you plan a session with the entire team about 30 days after your official start (BTW hope things have been good since you wrote this post). The focus is you to get to know them (what do I know, what don't I know) and for them to get to know you (what do we know, not know, want to know). Sometimes an outside facilitator works well in these situations along with some brief survey tools. Don't keep them guessing as to whether you like them to approach you in your office, send an e-mail or call you. Be authentic, self-effacing and revealing. Maybe offer some examples of tough situations you faced and what you learned about your self.

Hope this helps

Vic Bullara
CEO, World Class HR

Well you now know you have some things to address. In addition to the plan you outlined, I recommend that you plan a session with the entire team about 30 days after your official start (BTW hope things have been good since you wrote this post). The focus is you to get to know them (what do I know, what don't I know) and for them to get to know you (what do we know, not know, want to know). Sometimes an outside facilitator works well in these situations along with some brief survey tools. Don't keep them guessing as to whether you like them to approach you in your office, send an e-mail or call you. Be authentic, self-effacing and revealing. Maybe offer some examples of tough situations you faced and what you learned about your self.

Hope this helps

Vic Bullara
CEO, World Class HR

I'm interested to see how things went.  Anyone have any updates on their situation? 

--Chris