Your New Leadership Challenge:

JumpStarter #5
Don't Underestimate the
Importance of the First Team Meeting

Assuming you've had several pre-start meetings with your boss, you should have (1) a clear idea of the top tasks or outcomes expected of you, and (2) a plan for how the two of you will communicate. So, let's turn our attention to your direct reports.

Get to Know Your Team

Connecting with your direct reports as a team should be one of your first priorities. Conduct your kickoff meeting in an open, comfortable setting with no tables. In the meeting, introduce yourself first. If you are new to the group, describe who you are, both professionally and personally, and how you came to be at the organization.

Whether you are hired from outside or promoted from within, your team will also want to know:

• Your approach to management and your leadership anchors.
• Your hopes and aspirations for the next year.
• What "success" means relative to how people work together and the climate of the larger organization.
• What you think it's like to work with you--your quirks, habits, and concerns.

* An excerpt from “100 Days – 100 Tips”. Check our products page soon to purchase all 100!