Mark Hamade

Congratulations on your new position of leadership with your new company! Get those shoes polished and your tie straightened because corner office with a view, here you come. If that was all that was required of you it would be an easy transition, wouldn’t it? Starting with a new company in a position of authority can be a little bumpy, but there are ways to make the change go smoother. In fact, there are definite rules you should follow in the beginning of your new position.

1. Don’t mention the old company.
No one wants to constantly hear you say, “Well, at my old company, we did it this way….” This not only sounds like your previous company did everything better, but also makes it look like you miss your old job and aren’t happy with the new one. Your focus should be forward, not backward.

2. New managers can listen and learn.
The saying “You can learn something from everyone you meet” certainly applies in this situation. Take that to heart and meet with everyone you can. Listen to what they have to say about the company, the people, the company’s philosophy, etc. If you do that you will find out more than what’s in your employee handbook. Be sure to read between the lines as well and don’t get sucked into offering an opinion about company politics.

Establish a learning plan with goals and steps to reach them. Find out what you need to learn to perform your job and then find out where you can get the necessary information. If you don’t have a learning plan, you’ll end up in information overload.

3. Don’t make major decisions or changes right away.
Again, the beginning stage of your new career in management should be about listening and learning, not jumping the gun with sweeping changes. People don’t like change. Give them a chance to figure you out a bit and learn to trust you. This period of time is when you will be watched the closest by superiors and subordinates.

4. Look for places where you can institute small changes.
Small positive changes can show that you are listening and your employees feel like they are being heard. Similarly, follow through on small promises you make to clients for a huge boost in your credibility.

5. Establish consistent and frequent communication.
With so much to learn, it would be a good idea from the start to establish frequent and consistent means of communication. Set up regular meetings, emails, and newsletters.

6. Network with your peers.
It’s important to build relationships with those at the same management level or who do the same job you do but in another location. How are they handling the same things you are responsible for?

You got the new job because you earned it. You’re on your way to more money, more prestige, and more responsibility. If you take steps in your new position to listen and learn, open up communication, hold off on major decisions and make key small decisions, the road to respect will be much smoother.