Are you mired in meeting madness?
Since COVID-19, one trend has silently taken over the way we work. What used to be quick exchanges have become scheduled calls, and leaders and teams find themselves juggling double- or triple-bookings....
Brain Circuits
Your first moves as the new CEO
You’ve just been parachuted in as the new CEO. You need to hit the ground running and build credibility fast. Where do you start?
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Priority 1: Diagnose the situationÂ
- 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.Â
- Define a plan to accelerate your learning.Â
- Match your strategy to the situation – understand the business challenges ahead and adapt to them.Â
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Priority 2. Define your goals and build your team Â
- Create alliances and gain support from key stakeholders by having critical conversations to align with them. Â
- Establish your priorities, strategy, and vision. Â
- 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. Â
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Priority 3. Identify early winsÂ
- Identifying early wins is essential to build momentum and credibility in your new role, and small, impactful changes will help build trust and credibility.Â
- Focus on simple improvements but ones that are highly visible; for example, by improving the customer experience.Â
- Manage yourself: maintain your equilibrium and keep faith in your ability to make good judgments. Remember: you got this job for a reason!Â
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Key takeawayÂ
First impressions are critical for any new leader. Diagnosing the situation accurately, securing early wins, and aligning and evolving the leadership team around your strategy and vision will enable you to hit the ground running, build up a head of steam, and sustain critical momentum. Â
Authors
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