Handing off the Baton

Handing off the leadership baton calls for certain changes in the way you pave the path as a new leader for the old team ..What are those traits ..What are the styles of leadership that you must adopt. What can you expect from the team...and many more thoughts in this short blog of mine :) I can think of 2 situations where the handing off could happen --

1.A very obvious one where the old Leader decides to pursue opportunities outside  and a  new Leader is chosen 2. Second one is a trickier one and a tough one…A leader decides to choose his successor and hand off the baton to him/her. The predecessor is still in the same organization and can choose to oversee or intervene when needed to set things right.

This blog of mine will focus on Situation 1 -

 I recently was asked this question on how I would handle it if I were that New Boss being introduced to an existing and a well-established team. This could happen when you are the New Leader and are at the receiving end.

You are going to be facing an anxious team with these questions on their mind especially if you are stepping into the shoes of a good leader  

• Will we have the same equation? Same degree of approach-ability?
• Will there be the same level of visibility for me and the work we are doing?
• Will the new Boss know my contributions and aspirations?
• Should I talk to the new Boss proactively or will he/she call me?
• Will new Leader’s style fit into our team’s operating style?
• Will he/she be a micro-manager or completely hands off?
• Well what about the trust levels?
• And finally ..Should I look for a new job? 

And believe me we have all gone thru this at various stages of our career…And as we climb up the leadership ladder we just manage to handle these anxieties in a more mature manner. But the team out there is like our five fingers …As far as possible try and ensure that you have had a hand off from the previous Boss ..You have won half the battle …Many times this may not happen. And you must start from scratch.

So, what do you do then as a Leader? What’s that first thing that will bring down the anxiety levels. That will make the team feel at home? While we are focussed on creating value upwards it’s very important to ensure the value chain is a robust one!  

• First and foremost is get down to the Team’s level. That means.. spend as much time as possible with the team, empower them to teach you, educate you…Give them a feeling that you are open to learning and most importantly learn from them
• Business does not come to a halt because of org changes, so decisions are taken every day on various fronts. Use this opportunity to allow your team to make decisions and apply the flavour of your experience to ensure its in the right direction… A Democratic Leadership style has always worked well
• Connecting with the remote team members is a very key element of building trust Remember they are blindfolded literally in this journey with the new leader. Striking the right chord with the remote teams is very important
• Avoid unnecessary email communication, connect in person where ever possible
• Last but not the least, ensure you have set up that very first 1on1 with every employee to let them know that it’s a seamless shift for them as far as their career aspirations and ongoing assignments are concerned

 The first 6 months are very crucial in proving yourself to be a Leader that the team is willing to work with :) Understanding team dynamics, challenges within the team, if there are any clan members etc is your next most important task. A lot of us really think being neutral is the best way but not able to identify health issues within the team can be the worst nightmare.

Lastly needless to say, learnt that new technology, understand the organizations strategy and initiatives and begin to introduce transformations within your org and your team. Bring in your experience and your learning's into the team gradually to make a difference

 To conclude this blog. There is no specific style of leadership per se…Its your passion your experiences and your zeal that will help you succeed as a New Leader/New Manager .. Love to hear your comments and your thoughts and questions.Shoot them here --