5 Leadership Lessons You Can Learn From An Acquisition

# 1 - Do Your Job- and do it well!

We are all human, and it is reasonable to expect that a pending merger or acquisition can distract you- am I safe? Do I have a job? A leader I work with kept telling us "the best way to keep your job, is to do your job." But I take that one step further- do your job WELL. Instead of focusing your energy on a future you cannot control, focus that energy on results. In the 30, 60, 90 days before an acquisition closes, that is your chance to shine by delivering results. Don't focus on the FUD (fear, uncertainty, doubt) focus on results you can personally deliver in that time.

#2 - Lead your team...and beyond 

A pending merger or acquisition is not a good time to fly "under the radar." It's a time to do your job, do it well and be visible. Raise your hand to help with integration efforts. If you can't be a part of the integration team, who is on that team that you could offer to help? I addition to communicating regularly with your team (because that is your job) seek out an employee who may be struggling with the uncertainty and change. Listen to them, be a mentor or even just help recommunicate information.

#3- You will have good days, and bad days....be open minded to possibilities versus uncertainties

As leaders, sometimes we struggle with the difference between being a leader and being a human. I've learned that people respect you more for acknowledging that balance or struggle. You cannot always be "on" or be positive, you are human. Success comes in recognizing that regardless of your role, we all have good days and bad days. You can focus on tha bad days and uncertainties...or you can focus on the good days and posssibilities- YOU decide.

#4 - Know what you want next in your career regardless of whether it is associated with the acquisition- and stand behind what you are willing to give up and not give up

While an acquisition brings change, and change brings opportunity, you should still have clear career goals. As I look at the leadership team in my current company, I can see people who are in new roles that reflect heir experience and goals, I see people who decided to leave to pursue career goals and I see people who are nervous and uncertain without career goals. In addition to career goals, or perhaps as part of, we all have things we need, want or expect. It is important to know and stand behind what you are willing to give up, and not give up. That may be pay, title, family time, span of control...whatever that list is-you choose. Be concise and committed!

#5- Establish your circle of trust and influence (your personal "board of directors") and be consistent and transparent with them

Personally, for me, it is this circle that helped me learn the valuable lessons outlined above and I can truly say that they have been a critical part of my success. They know my experience, my strengths and challenges. They've seen me at my best and worst, and they've directly help me pursue new opportunities that are aligned with my career goals, through the acquisition. They may be a current leader, a senior executive above your current leader, a mentor, friend, spouse, etc. Regardless of their role in your life, by being consistent and transparent, they will be your biggest fans.

Is every acquisition perfect? No. Am I sharing this because I've "landed the perfect gig"? No. It's not perfect, but I choose to take this opportunity to acknowledge that at the end of the day, I make the choices and learn the lessons that ultimately determine my success. I choose to share those lessons with others in hopes of helping them and I am grateful for my circle of influence that helped me get to where I am today.