ExecutiveChronicles | Transition of Management: What to Remember and Not Miss Out | Whether a promotion or a lateral move, career transitions can be significant steps in an individual’s career path. A study by the Society for Human Resource Management found that nearly one-half (48%) of employees who have been with their current employer for less than five years report that they have voluntarily left their job, compared with only 29 percent of those who have been with their employer for more than ten years. This underscores the importance of making a good impression early in one’s tenure, as well as the importance of being mindful of potential career transitions.
Promotion can be a significant career step because it often comes with an increase in salary and authority. PayScale says the average pay raise for a promotion is about 9.5 percent. Additionally, promotions often come with new responsibilities and challenges, which can help individuals grow their skills and knowledge.
However, the transition can be challenging. You will have to depend on the previous leader for some time to get used to the new role and responsibilities. It would help if you learned how to manage people at the same level as before the promotion. Moreover, you will also have to prove yourself again in the new role. If you want the transition to be smooth, here are a few things to remember.
Set Up a Meeting with Former Leader
Before the actual transition, set up a meeting with your former leader. You can use this time to ask questions about the new role and responsibilities. It is also an excellent opportunity to get advice from your former leader on how to be successful in a unique position.
Ngien Hoon Ping of Singapore knows the importance of this meeting. “You should never underestimate the power of a conversation,” he says. “A discussion with your former leader will better understand what is expected from you in the new role.” SMRT benefited from an ideal transition as it improved communication and coordination between the new and old management.
The meeting should contain the following:
- A review of the job description and responsibilities
- A discussion of the expectations of the new role
- An overview of the resources available to help with the transition
- A panel of any challenges that leaders might encounter during the transition
Get to Know the Team
One way to make a good impression early in your tenure is to get to know your team. If you are moving to a new team, introduce yourself and take the time to learn about their roles. If you get promoted within your current team, get to know the individuals at the next level. This step will help you better understand how the team functions and identify potential improvement areas.
Additionally, getting to know your team will help build trust and rapport. It is essential if you are in a leadership position. Trust is critical for leaders because it helps create a cohesive environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing ideas and working together.
You can achieve better team chemistry when you:
- Build relationships with team members
- Create an environment of mutual respect
- Communicate effectively
- Make time for fun
- Encourage and support team members
Be Flexible
During a transition, there will be many unknowns. It is essential to be flexible and adaptable to change. Things might not always go as planned, so it is necessary to stay prepared for anything. For example, you might have to adjust your schedule to accommodate new responsibilities. Additionally, you might have to deal with changes in the team dynamic.
Flexibility is also essential when it comes to learning new things. You will likely encounter new challenges and tasks outside your comfort zone during a transition. Being open to learning new things and expanding your skillset is essential.
As a leader, you can help your team be more flexible by setting an example. Please encourage them to try new things and be open to change.
Keep an Open Mind
A successful transition requires a positive attitude and an open mind. It is essential to embrace change and be willing to try new things. Additionally, patience is necessary as you adapt to the new role and responsibilities.
It is also essential to be open to feedback. During a transition, you will receive input from many different people. Some of it might be positive, and some might be negative. Listening to all feedback and using it to improve your performance is essential.
Finally, it is necessary to have realistic expectations. A successful transition takes time, effort, and patience. It won’t happen overnight, so don’t expect everything to be perfect from the start.
Final Thoughts
A successful transition requires careful planning and execution. By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success. Leadership does not have to be immediate. It can be a work in progress, making each day a little better than the last.
