1)       They've suffered losses through mandatory layoffs.  Budget cuts eliminated positions or forced them to replace high paying positions with less-qualified individuals.

2)       They've grown so fast that they can hardly keep up with the demand.  Their focus is on taking care of the customer, not necessarily in taking care of their employees.

1)       Take a Breath:  no one expects you to master your new position the first week.  Make time to fully know what's expected of you and decide how you can exceed it; learn how your area fits into the overall company goals; who your people are individually with their own strengths, desires, goals and perhaps most importantly what motivates them.

2)       Know That All Eyes Are On You:  it is important to know early on that everyone down the pay scale watches leaders for clues about how the company is doing.  If you look stressed, confused or angry (as many new leaders unwittingly do) workers know they should worry.  You want them to see an optimistic, confident leader they can trust.

3)       Make a Physical Change:  this is especially true if you're now managing people who were previously your peers. A physical change is the fastest way to let people know that there is something new about you.  Take your overall appearance up a notch or two.  Slight changes communicate that you take this new position seriously.

4)       Find a Trusted Advisor:  this person is typically a peer with whom you can confide and who will provide solid feedback to you.  You do the same for this individual.  Take time in selecting someone whose values are consistent with yours and whom you trust and respect.  Ask a superior for suggestions.

5)       Improve Your Communication Skills:  the communication skills that worked in your last position will be inferior to what you now need.  If written or computer skills are lacking, take a class.  If you are less than confident in public speaking, join Toastmasters.  If you think you don't have time, think of how much time you'll have if you fail.

6)       Create Balance:  new leaders feel that they have to give their life to their job in order to prove themselves.  This is a great road to lost perspective and early burn out. To be the best you can be, you need outside relationships, exercise, proper eating, sleep and hydration.  If you didn't focus on yourself before, now's the time.

7)       Hire a Coach:  with 40% of new leaders failing in the first two years (often two years of agony and disappointment) you need support.  Working with a skilled coach makes your transition into leadership easier.  You don't have time to read the thousands of books out there on leadership, but you do have time to work with your coach, who is focused solely upon your success, a few hours each month.

Ann,

I found the weekly tip on "Seven ways to Blow a Presentation" very useful.  I do many presentations and while reading these tips, I found myself remembering a few times when I actually followed a couple of those and my presentation suffered. 

 

I really liked the style of "what not to do."  Poignant and precise.  I can quickly remember those tips and use them to my benefit and certainly my audience. Thank you.

 

~ Kyle Gorman, Region Manager, Oregon Water Resources Department

P. S. We'd love to hear how you used our 'Success Thought of The Week' in your business or personal dealings. Please email your story to ann@gvasuccess.com.