New Leadership Job? Invest in Your Personal Brand via Relationships

Started a new leadership role in 2020?

My one piece of advice is invest in your personal brand and relationships in the first 90 days. The old saying is "You have one chance to make a first impression" but the reality is your personal brand is formed over time as people in the business form a perception. Personal brand and relationships are built like money in the bank - little deposits over time, but if you can invest a lump sum at the start it certainly gains traction. So invest heavy in relationships early.

So while you are still getting to know the business and the work flow hasn't peaked just yet, take the time to build relationships and be seen to go the extra mile. This helps build trust, helps you find out what the issues are, know the people better, give them a sense that they matter. Have 1-on-1's. Formal and informal. Give your views and get a sense of theirs. More listening, less talking. Importantly - be you.

They are listening to what you say, but more importantly they are watching you to see what you do, what you don't do, what you deal with and what you let go - and see if that all lines up. Because also like the money in the bank personal brand also goes out in lump sums and takes time to rebuild.

Additionally, if you have a remote office(s) make the time early to visit regularly and often initially to build a foundation of relationship before resorting to virtual communication. We are still social beings and build greater connections through personal interaction. Take time just to be there, get a sense of their space, place and culture by just hanging out and being there. That is work too. That's part of leadership.

You will probably only realise the strength or equity of this investment the first time you have to leverage against it have a courageous conversation or deal with an issue.