5 tips for making rapid progress in a new role

Getting off to a quick start in a new role is critical. Everyone wants to make a great first impression and to hit the ground running immediately. In my experience, I have found a few key things that have allowed me to start strong in past new roles.

Some people move slowly when they start a new role. They may feel tentative as they may not know everything necessary to make a meaningful contribution. Think back to your first few days in a new department or at new organization. You may have felt confident in past relationships or previous roles but the new environment is fully of uncertainty. Maintaining personal confidence is critical. Remember that you were selected for the new role or brought into the new organization because you are good. But also be aware that there is a great deal yet to learn.

Whether you are taking on a new role leading an organization or running a project, the following tips have been invaluable in my experience:

1) Be Accessible

I begin by stating my intentions. I explicitly tell people that I plan to be both visible and accessible – internally and externally.

Internally, I have always favoured an informal “management by walking-about” approach. I like to get out, introduce myself and chat whenever I can. This allows me to be accessible across all levels and prompt conversations that might otherwise not have happened. I pair this informal approach with the more formal, scheduled meetings that inevitably happen.

Externally, I like to book meetings with key people. I ask my colleagues to recommend who I need to meet with and trust their guidance. I include both local and remote locations where applicable. I have a ‘whatever it takes’ mentality and will be creative about meeting with people. While in-person is often best, video conferences and teleconferences also work.

2) Recognize Past and Present Successes

I strongly believe in honouring the heritage of an organization. I vocally recognize past successes out of respect to my predecessors and their efforts. Typically, several positive things need to be maintained. I leverage this admiration of past successes while building a foundation related to new expectations for the future.

3) Clearly Communicate Your Vision

I start a new role with a clear vision of where I want to take things. Obviously, I need to align this to the organization’s vision and how I see myself fulfilling that vision. At the same time, I need to be open to learning and modifying or adapting where it makes sense. Any changes need to happen very quickly, and be communicated extensively.

4) LISTEN

The best leaders are the best listeners. As I start out in a new role or assignment, I focus on listening very carefully. I find that I can learn a lot more than I can teach, particularly when working with very senior, experienced people. “People Leaders”, those who are responsible for leading other leaders need to be doing a lot of listening, particularly in the early days.

5) Communicate Frequently

I find that one can never communicate enough. The more variety I bring to my communications, the better.  Face-to-face, voicemail, email … create a plan, mix it up and keep it fresh. It is also critical to confirm understanding of your message once delivered and to look for ways to check in with people regarding their level of understanding.

Overall, we are all looking to leave our mark and drive positive improvements. In my experience, the faster we move during the early stages, the bigger the impact. Create a plan and work your plan.

Good luck in your new role.  I would love to hear about your experiences.

Michael (Mike) Cloutier is the consummate CEO. He is currently the President and CEO of the Canadian Diabetes Association. His past roles have included CEO of Critical Outcome Technologies Inc., AstraZeneca Canada, Pharmacia Canada and Searle Canada. He has also been active on the boards of numerous for profit and not profit organizations including Sheridan College, the Canadian Orthopedic Foundation, TD Toronto Jazz Festival and  United Paragon Associates. Mike is an avid golfer and recently played 90 holes in one day to raise money for the Canadian Diabetes Association.