In my last post I talked about the 3 approaches to help New Global executive in their new assignment: the New Position, the Change itself and the Cross-cultural and Intercultural reality. It’s an elephant of its own kind, we go through this many times of our lives, and especially in our professional lives. From changing schools, changing houses or neighborhoods, to changing jobs. The better we get at it, the better and quicker we’ll be to show our best selves. So today let’s start with the first bite, let me talk about the New Position.
The recently assigned Leader: where to focus?
Like any first days in a new job, be it in the same country, city, company, there are things the new Global Leader should assure: clearly identify the expected performance, define what is expected from the local and international management teams and who forms your new team and social networks and how to quickly get to know them, this among many other things. Briefing a book on this subject on the key actions to achieve in the First 90 days, the successful Executive Leader, either in a new position on the other side of the world or in a new city, needs to not forget to prepare for the new job. They must learn about it as fast as possible, making a diagnostic of the actual situation, and prioritizing both strategy and quick wins, negotiating success, expectations, and resources. promoting themselves, all the while one reviews structures, strategy, systems, and culture. That’s a lot!
And then there’s people! Yes, who’s on your team, how do they work and how do they give results, who’s the boss (or bosses), who are your peers, your internal customers, your external customers, etc.. Yes, the importance of creating alliances: even if you are the big boss, you need to determine your network, your influence, others’ perceptions, all while conserving your own personal leadership pillars and values. So many things to remember, but these steps, all these elements will help you not only shine on your new position, but shine together with your whole team. Because with your group you will together accelerate change and winnings.
It’s easier with a Coach!
Sounds like a lot, yes, but as an executive coach I can partner with you to better be aware and understand all these goals and the ways in which you can tackle them, and principally helping you identify any resources you can access to, as well as any obstacles that might be in your way, to achieve the new challenges before you. The Executive Coach (as defined by the ICF – International Coaching Federation) will partner with you as a client “in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. The process of coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity, and leadership”.
Desmond Tutu once said that “There is only one way to eat an elephant: a bite at a time.” Yes, the New Position is a big package, overwhelming, and humongous if we put it together with it being in a new culture, new company, new country, but if we take it gradually, taking on just a bite (or some bites) at a time, it can be a memorable and most rewarding process. Now if we put it together with the other parts of the elephant: the Change itself and the Cross-cultural and Intercultural reality, it’s even more of a challenge. But not impossible for the today’s Global Leader. Come back to my blog in a couple of weeks for the technique from my post 3 approaches for coaching Global Leaders.
Further reading on this topic
- M. D. Walkins (2013). The First 90 Days, Expanded Edition. Harvard Business Review Press.
Featured photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash
