20 Tips for Executives Assimilating into a New Job or Organization

As you read each tip - ask yourself “Is this something I need to do more of or less?” or “Is this me?”?Be objective. This is your time to learn, contribute and be accepted.

1)?????Spend the first three months listening.?Hold off giving your brilliant suggestions.?Within six months you must have a clear understanding of the company culture and its implications for you.

2)?????Ask questions.?Be curious.?Ask how, what, when, (but, never why) questions.

3)?????Never say, “at my prior company we did…” during a conversation with your new colleagues. Do not, under any circumstances, use your previous employer's company name.?It is not good form!

4)?????Prepare thoughtful questions ahead of time about:

• ??????Company
• ???????Culture
• ???????Unwritten rules?
• ???????Formal and informal chain of command

5)?????Dress a level above other executive team members (tasteful and immaculate), whether casual or business attire.?At all times never be sloppy casual.?If necessary, buy some new clothes before your first day in the new position.

6)????Be positive about everything.

• ???????Be enthusiastic and positive.
• ???????Accept problems and challenges with ease.
• ???????Do not criticize or complain (even if other employees are doing so).
• ???????Never try to be the smartest person in the room.

7)????Spend time on internal networking to learn the culture and how the organization functions.?Schedule meetings with:

• ???????Peers
• ???????Subordinates
• ???????Other department heads

8)?????Spend as much time as possible with your new boss or superior group.

• ???????Learn his/her/their perspective regarding priorities, positioning, managing, leadership and communicating.
• ???????Learn his/her/their expectations and priorities for your first six months.
• ???????If possible, seek the counsel of your predecessor.

9)?????Be confident in your ability to lead, manage and communicate.

• ???????Always walk, talk and act like an executive, “look Presidential.”
• ???????Always respond positively.
• ???????Speak and write with clarity and confidence.
• ???????Be aware of your voice cadence and diction when speaking.
• ???????Avoid the use of foul language.

10)??Take time to reveal yourself in totality:

• ???????Listen more than you talk.
• ???????Remain professional – do not get personal too quickly.
• ???????Do not become best friends.

11)??Remember:?It takes time to be accepted.

• ???????Go forward gently.
• ???????Be clear on your position, authority, expectations and accountabilities.
• ???????Never promise more than you can deliver.

12)?Your new ideas can be interpreted as criticism for the way things are.

• ???????People may agree but still take it personally (as criticism).?Be careful.
• ???????Be certain you have all your facts and a complete understanding of the eventual impact of any decision you make.

13)?At the executive level, you are expected to have "Executive Presence" and be perfect.?So be it! Be perfect in your:

• ???????Speech
• ???????Appearance?
• ???????Leadership
• ???????Management
• ???????Behavior

14)?Imagine a film crew recording everything you do, say or think.

• ???????Keep in mind that people will tell three other people of every positive reaction to you and 20 people for every negative reaction to you.

15)?Become aware of culture and existing politics.

• ???????Do not comment.
• ???????Do not criticize.
• ???????Do not participate or take sides in politics.

16)?Be a good leader.

• ???????Articulate your vision.
• ???????Give specific directions.
• ???????Clarify objectives.
• ???????Be open to suggestions, recommendations or new ideas from subordinates.
• ???????Respect and trust others.
• ???????Acknowledge contributions of others.
• ???????Integrate differences.
• ???????Be decisive.
• ???????Do not micromanage.

17)?Be kind to yourself.

• ???????Be aware of the tendency for “new guy/gal” to want to prove what a good appointment/hire you are, how smart you are, and how fast you can learn and implement changes, etc.
• ???????Do not put unneeded pressure on yourself or others.

18)?Get a coach/mentor or “confidante” independent of the company who:

• ???????Is objective.
• ???????Will give you direct and tough feedback.
• ???????Will listen to you.
• ???????You can trust and will help you see how you can assimilate and lead more effectively.

19)?Relax and have fun. You were appointed/hired because your new boss believes you can do the job.?The job is not what usually causes difficulties, it is how you assimilate into the new chair/culture, get accepted and ultimately respected by colleagues.?This will take time, so don’t rush things.

20)?Finally, be patient, employees will come to support leaders and executives who they respect and trust.?Keep in mind that executives seldom fail in new jobs because they lack the knowledge, skills or experience.?They fail because they only focus on getting the job done and make the mistake of not focusing on building relationships and teams.?They fail because they lack a high level of Emotional Intelligence (EQ). All executives must be mindful to lead or manage with humility and empathy.

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