Your first moves as the new CEO

Priority 1: Diagnose the situation 

• Your first step is to gain a deep understanding of the internal and external challenges and the opportunities that your new role presents. A precise, data-driven diagnosis will show you where to focus your efforts in the coming weeks and months. 

• Define a plan to accelerate your learning. 

• Match your strategy to the situation – understand the business challenges ahead and adapt to them. 

Priority 2. Define your goals and build your team  

• Create alliances and gain support from key stakeholders by having critical conversations to align with them.  

• Establish your priorities, strategy, and vision.  

• Build your team: assess, reshape, and align your key people. Ensure that everyone is on the same page and identify the individuals who can help drive your agenda.  

Priority 3. Identify early wins 

• Identifying early wins is essential to build momentum and credibility in your new role, and small, impactful changes will help build trust and credibility. 

• Focus on simple improvements but ones that are highly visible; for example, by improving the customer experience. 

• Manage yourself: maintain your equilibrium and keep faith in your ability to make good judgments. Remember: you got this job for a reason!