Decades of research have identified the pitfalls, missteps, and mistakes associated with a newly placed leader’s transition and integration. Knowing what can (and too often does) go wrong, allows an organization to be proactive and implement the PowerStart Program to deal effectively with these root causes of slowed or derailed onboarding.
Pitfalls, Missteps, and Mistakes
- Not being clear on mandate and expectations.
- Trying to do too much, too soon; being too heroic in expectations; ending up balancing too many simultaneous initiatives; and overwhelming the organization.
- Failing to adapt to the boss’ style of communicating and decision-making.
- Failing to make the boss’s priorities a high priority.
- Misunderstanding the business situation and taking inappropriate leadership actions.
- Coming in with “the answer” or jumping to it too quickly.
- Misreading (or not even trying to understand and fit) company culture and leadership practices.
- Not securing early wins, taking too long to make needed changes, and being sucked into the status quo.
- Not laying the foundation for needed changes before attempting implementation.
- Failing to identify key relationships and build a power base.