How I Introduce Myself to a New Team (as a Project Manager)

You have only one chance to make the first impression.

So often, we fail to do it correctly when we start working with a new team.

Just imagine you come to a new team.

You walk into a room full of people. Your people. You'll work with them for months, and maybe years.

But what do you say?

Ehhh...hello, everyone. I'm your new manager. May I have your attention, please.

Then, they awkwardly drag their bodies to form a circle.

Now it's your moment!

And what do you do?

You try to think about something smart to tell them, but you forget how to put words into a sentence.

Let's fix it.

3 Critically Important Rule of Introducing Yourself

So, what should you do differently?

Well, here's a PRO tip:

Never use your title in an introduction.

Besides that:

1) Ask for an Introduction

Someone from your leadership should introduce you to the team.

It should be someone the Project Team respects.

Your boss or a senior project manager should introduce you from a professional standpoint.

Yes, they can and should name your title and all the relevant credentials you have.

2) Position Yourself as a Leader

Your boss introduced you as a PM.

You must introduce yourself as a leader of this very team.

Likewise, I recommend you spell out two or three pillars of your leadership style.

The main message here should be:

I'm a part of this team.

3) Give Praise to the New Team

Whether they are just starting as a new team. Or they worked for years before you...

You can always find out a fact or two about new team members' glory moments.

They did well on the project for the last few years. Nice!

Part of the team participated in a complex project before. Great!

Anything will do.

You need to show that you acknowledge their expertise and achievements.

The rest is in the video.??

Share your insights

What are your best tips on how to introduce yourself to a new team? Share your thoughts in the comments below.