New Role - action plan

Submitted by J b
in
Career Management
Hey folks, I'd really appreciate some feedback on my outline steps for the first 90 days to become effective in my new role (deputy team leader with specific accountability for 5 agency staff). having listened to the new managers podcast I'm trying to come up with an action plan of building up to taking on the role and develop while in it to become effective and be see as someone worthy of promotion (the vision). So far I've got, broadly, 1) gain credibility (I used to do this kind of work several years ago but have been in a totally different field which people do not hold in high regard since (it was an I role vs the mainly C's I'll be working with!) 2) gain trust - (as above, I'm kind of being parachuted in from a different field as a #2 where there was no previous #2 role - I expect there will be a lot of suspicion as to why I'm there). 3) build technical expertise - understand the current processes and bring myself up to speed with them. 4) pickup and build on my old network Am I missing something here - or am I going down the totally wrong path?
Submitted by Jeremy Green on Sunday October 5th, 2008 9:33 am

I read a book on this subject and it gave some great advice on the first step.

You should not jump into a role and decide on the action that is needed. Instead take thirty days to meet people, to find out their thoughts on the team in terms of their delivery and their goals. You should also understand the goals of the organization.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/First-90-Days-Critical-Strategies/dp/1591391105…

Take a look at the book above - I think it will give you some good insights.

Regards,
-

Submitted by Tom Waltz on Sunday October 5th, 2008 10:31 am

I'd say you are on the right path.

The book Jeremy mentioned is really good and gives you details on how to actually accomplish your broad tasks. It also goes into more situational advice, like if there is a major realignment or turnaround necessary.

I'd also recommend the "Jump Starting Internal Customer Relationships" casts.

Submitted by Nik Friedman T… on Tuesday October 7th, 2008 11:15 am

All good tips. One meta-tip I'd add is to be HUMBLE. Acting in the role of someone there to support and assist people (above or below you) will do more to gain trust and confidence than anything. Obviously, you're still managing your directs (and theirs), but you are also there to help them to be successful and get their work done.

A humble manager is one who people will not be afraid to talk to, and one who gets to stay out of politics that much longer. Let your ambition grow once you get comfortable and have confidence in the direction you want to take yourself and your team.

Good luck!