What are some effective ways to navigate career transitions as a cross-functional team leader?

Take time to assess your strengths and notice areas of flow as well as pain in your current role is. When it feels easy, you’re in the right path. Find what you absolutely love to do at least in 10% of your work day. According to recent research by Buckingham, it is how you will continue to thrive at work.

The best way to navigate this change smoothly is: 1. Make sure this is what you want to do, no matter what 2. Put together an action plan contemplating leveraging your strengths for the transition and how will manage your gaps 3. Engage stakeholders - those who can facilitate/remove potential blockers 4. Don't look back - "you may freeze like an statue! 5. Have fun and joy! Any transition we embrace should represent a positive transformation in our lives. Otherwise, don't do it!

Como líder hay que... Ser claro y conciso. Mí mensaje debe ser fácil de entender y recordar. Ser específico. Evitar los términos vagos o generales. Ser positivo y motivador. Mí mensaje debe ser inspirador y que genere entusiasmo. Ser abierto a la retroalimentación. Solicitar comentarios de mí equipo y las partes interesadas para asegurarse de que el mensaje está resonando.

Is this a space that is totally new? Do some background work to get familiar with the fundamentals and language of the function. Who do I know or can be introduced to that could be a sounding board as I ease into this role? Engage those who are one and two levels below your role to understand what makes this team work and the challenges dealt with on a daily operational level? What are existing frustrations the team has experienced, expressed but gotten no lasting solution? Get to know each person on the team and their unique approach to delivering results Decide how often you will meet with the team, minimum should be once a week. Be clear that your role is strategic, that is thinking and allowing the team the freedom to execute.

Everyone thinks that the key to navigating career transitions as a cross-functional team leader is to acquire new skills and knowledge. While this is important, the truth is that your existing network and resources can be just as, if not more, valuable. As you tap into this network, remember that networking is a two-way street. So, in the counterintuitive words of Peter Drucker, "The best way to predict the future is to create it." Leverage what you already have, and you'll be well on your way to successfully navigating your career transition.

Empathy and solid listening skills are important when leading others. Cross functioning teams may be territorial; keeping projects close to the vest. It’s important to provide a trusting and open communication environment. Ask questions as much as provide insights and value.

Give yourself grace during this time of transition. Being in a state of transition can be stressful. It will be important to identify timelines for the process and include time when you choose NOT to think about being in transition. You can do this by scheduling time for self care and connecting with colleagues and friends to take your mind off of the career search. Some other timelines to consider are determining when you will put feelers out, when you will follow up on leads and when you will review LinkedIn for potential connections and coffee chats. Remain anchored in what you’ve accomplished thus far and remember, this is just a season.