Taking on a leadership role is a milestone moment for anyone. But, it’s also a time in your career that’s often filled with pressure and uncertainty; you might even find yourself being looked at under a microscope. There tends to be a lot of focus on new leaders and how you’re doing, as well as how the people you’re leading are handling the change. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been promoted from within the business, or you’ve been recruited from elsewhere, your team will be paying attention to everything you do from the moment you arrive.
When you step into a new leadership position, your immediate focus shouldn’t be on making big changes and transforming the team; all of this comes later. For the first 90 days, you need to focus on establishing credibility, building trust and laying the groundwork for long-term leadership success. Though professional relationships do grow naturally over time, being intentional in the early days speeds everything up and helps you to avoid mistakes that can take months to repair.
Leadership Success: Why The First 90 Days Matter
A new leader joining a team might not seem like a big deal, but the dynamics can change instantly. People who have worked together for years, who have built up a rhythm, suddenly find themselves with a new manager. They start to wonder what kind of leader they’re going to be, will they be supportive and whether they’re going to make any big changes. This is natural. They want reassurance that their leader will guide them with competence, fairness and respect, without rocking the both too much.
If you don’t use this period to your advantage and really connect with your new team, you risk being perceived as disconnected, indecisive or uninterested. But, if you put the effort in early on, you can build trust quickly and create an environment where the team is keen to follow your lead.
Here’s How New Leaders Can Win Over Their Teams
Listen More Than You Speak
It’s not uncommon for new leaders to feel as though they need to prove themselves quickly. The excitement of a new role is understandable, but this often ends up with leaders talking strategy, setting ambitious goals or announcing changes right away. But, moving too fast can backfire, as it leads to your team feeling out of the loop.
It’s best to start by really listening to your team. Take the time to understand the business, the challenges your new team are currently facing and the various dynamics at play. Things like having one-on-one conversations with every team member and running team workshops where people can share openly can give you the insight you need. You don’t just gain valuable information, you also show others that you respect what they have to say.
Be Visible and Approachable in the Workplace
Being a leader isn’t just about having a title that reflects your authority, it’s about being present. If your team only sees you in formal meetings or when there’s a problem, you’ll feel like a distant and unrelatable presence. It’s important to make yourself part of moments, showing your team that you’re part of the day-to-day running of the workplace. Being approachable shows you’re part of the team.
Communicate Openly and Honestly
All teams need direction, especially during transitional periods, like getting a new leader. If you communicate clearly and with clarity, you’ll be a leader who earns trust. You don’t need to have all of the answers straight away, but convey that to your team and be honest about what you’re doing. Open and honest communication doesn’t mean having everything figured out, it means being transparent and consistent in your communication.
Deliver Quick Wins That Really Matter
Delivering wins quickly shows that you’re paying attention and willing to hit the ground running. But, this doesn’t mean your wins have to be dramatic. They don’t need to be the biggest, most impressive wins. They just need to be meaningful to your team.
Show You Genuinely Care for People in Your Team
Employees don’t just want a boss, they want a leader who sees them as being human. You’re in a leadership position, but that doesn’t mean you can forget about empathy, celebrating contributions and checking in on employee wellbeing. These all build trust within your team, and they show that you genuinely care about employees as individuals. Prioritise learning names, acknowledge individual achievements, thank people and take note of employees’ professional goals. Employees want to feel seen, understood and respected, not just managed.
Be a Consistent and Fair Leader
It’s important for new leaders to build trust, but it’s not something you can do sporadically or only with a handful of employees. If you want to be a trusted leader, you need to avoid inconsistency or favoritism. People watch closely to see how you make decisions, how opportunities are handed out and how fairly standards are enforced. It can’t be a case of one rule for one person, and another rule for everyone else. It’s important to apply policies and expectations evenly, and avoid giving preferential treatment, even unintentionally, as this can lead to some employees not trusting you to be a fair leader. When people know where they stand, they can focus on their work, rather than worrying about your next move.
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Taking on a leadership role is a milestone moment for anyone. But, it’s also a time in your career that’s often filled with pressure and uncertainty; you might even find yourself being looked at under a microscope. There tends to be a lot of focus on new leaders and how you’re doing, as well as how the people you’re leading are handling the change. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been promoted from within the business, or you’ve been recruited from elsewhere, your team will be paying attention to everything you do from the moment you arrive.
When you step into a new leadership position, your immediate focus shouldn’t be on making big changes and transforming the team; all of this comes later. For the first 90 days, you need to focus on establishing credibility, building trust and laying the groundwork for long-term leadership success. Though professional relationships do grow naturally over time, being intentional in the early days speeds everything up and helps you to avoid mistakes that can take months to repair.
