New Leadership: The Power of Listening and Slow Change

Starting a new job as a leader is an exciting opportunity filled with potential. However, it also comes with the challenge of integrating into an existing system and culture. The temptation to make immediate changes can be strong, but experience and research suggest that a more measured approach often yields better results. Let’s explore some of the benefits of listening first and implementing changes in thoughtful, 90-day phases.

The Importance of Listening

When you step into a leadership role, your first task isn’t to change but to understand. This phase is crucial for several reasons:

• Building Trust: Employees are more likely to trust a leader who values their input and shows a genuine interest in their perspectives.
• Understanding the Culture: Every organization has its unique way of doing things. Understanding the existing culture and dynamics is key to effective leadership.
• -Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses: By listening, you can more accurately identify the organization’s strengths to preserve and weaknesses to address.

Phase 1: Observation (Days 1–30)

The first 30 days should be about observation and immersion. Attend meetings, review past performance reports, and engage with team members at all levels. Resist the urge to make any significant changes unless absolutely necessary. Use this time to gather as much information as possible.

Phase 2: Planning (Days 31–60)

With a solid understanding of the company’s operations and culture, begin to formulate your strategy. This phase should involve:

• Setting Priorities: Decide which areas need immediate attention and which can wait.
• Seeking Feedback: Before finalizing any plans, get feedback on your ideas from a range of stakeholders. This can help refine your approach and increase buy-in.
• Developing a Strategic Plan: Outline clear, actionable steps for the changes you aim to implement.

Phase 3: Initial Implementation (Days 61–90)

Now, start to slowly implement changes, beginning with the most critical areas. This phase allows you to:

• Test Changes on a Small Scale: Implement changes in manageable portions to monitor results and make adjustments as needed.
• Communicate Transparently: Keep everyone informed about what changes are being made and why. Clear communication can alleviate anxiety and resistance to change.
• Evaluate and Adjust: Use feedback and results from these initial changes to tweak your approach and prepare for broader implementation.

Leadership is not just about envisioning and directing change but also about respecting and enhancing what already works. By taking the time to listen and implementing changes gradually, you can ensure a smoother transition and a more cohesive team dynamic. Ultimately, effective leadership is not measured by how quickly you can change an organization but by how well you can foster an environment of growth, resilience, and adaptability.

As you step into your new role, consider the power of listening and phased changes. What will you listen for in your first 30 days? How will you engage your team in your vision for change? Share your thoughts and experiences with me in the comments below.