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9 Essentials As I Transition Into A New Leadership Role At Work

“Switching from one career to another can be scary, but it also can be a thrilling experience. Look at it as an opportunity to really go after what you want to accomplish in life and make a difference in the world. The key is to take small, conscious steps and prepare yourself for a successful transition.”

Jack Canfield

Today is a significant day in my career.  I officially start a new position as the head of a department responsible for providing building automation solutions throughout Eastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Northern Delaware.  I’m excited about this step and opportunity to serve and lead at a greater level.  As I head into this new adventure, I’m working through a number of things I want to mark my leadership in this position.  Today, I’ve give you a glimpse into my head.

9 Essentials As I Transition Into A New Leadership Role At Work

  1. Stay humble.  It’s important to understand the legacy left by my predecessors.  It’s also important to recognize the experience and knowledge of those around me.  I must lean on my team.  I can’t do everything, because I don’t have time and I probably don’t have all the skills that my team members bring to the team.  I must set up a pattern for delegation and empowerment, so my team feels like they are part of the solution and like they are prepared to take on a greater leadership role in the organization when the time is right.  How can I lift others up today?
  2. Stay positive.  It’s easy to let the stresses and challenges of our work bring us down.  As a leader in the organization, it is critical that I remain positive.  I can be realistic in the face of adversity and still be positive.  What was great about today?
  3. Stay grateful.  Obviously, I’m thankful for my new job.  I need to make sure I express my appreciation to those around me.  I want to continue my practice of writing handwritten thank you notes as I move into this position.  I want those around me to know how much I appreciate them.  Who do I need to thank today?
  4. Lead with integrity.  Be truthful.  Expect integrity from my team.  “Always hand out the credit and keep the blame.”  Dave Ramsey  Recognize, admit, and take action to correct my mistakes.  Get others to hold me accountable to leading with integrity.  Have a led with complete integrity today?
  5. Have fun.  “They don’t call it [work] fun for a reason.”  Have you ever heard that statement?  There is some truth to that.  Work will not always be fun.  There will be challenges and serious conversations along the way.  As a leader, I have the opportunity to make sure my team knows it’s okay to have fun while getting the work done.  How can I have fun at my job today?
  6. Keep serving.  Moving into a bigger leadership role does not remove me from the responsibility (and privilege) I have to serve my co-workers and my customers.  In fact, an attitude of service is important to having a correct perspective when it comes to your team.  I am not just advancing my career and providing income for my family; I am responsible for my entire team and their families.  I want to lead from a servant’s perspective.  How can I help my team today?
  7. Keep listening.  A successful leader listens and gathers facts before giving their input.  In the midst of a demanding schedule, I must make sure I take time to listen to my team.  Keeping my door open as much as possible and having regular one-on-one meetings with my team members will be two of the ways I practice listening as I move into this new role.  What is my team trying to tell me today?
  8. Keep learning.  Leaders are readers, and leaders are learners.  I’ll continue to plug into leadership resources to help me become a better leader.  Thanks to a recommendation from a friend, I recently picked up two books which will help me as I transition into my new position:  The First 90 Days (Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders at All Levels) by Michael Watkins and The New Leader’s 100 Day Action Plan (How to Take Charge, Build or Merge Your Team, and Get Immediate Results) by George B. Bradt, Jayme A. Check, and John A. Lawler.  What did I learn today?
  9. Keep stretching.  If you aren’t stretching and growing, you aren’t really living.  I look at this new career transition as an opportunity to stretch.  I don’t know what will happen in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead, but I know that embracing the stretch will be critical to the success of my team and me.  Part of this stretching experience requires me to take action.  My leadership cannot be based on lip service; it must be based on action.  Actions speak way louder than words.  What do I need to do to stretch today?

“Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions.”

Harold S. Geneen

 

What am I missing?  What steps have you taken to become a better leader in your organization?  Share your thoughts in the comments.

Ice Breaker – Dream Job

DREAM JOB Ice Breaker

Most weeks on The Stretched Blog, I ask an ice breaker question on Fridays. The questions are designed to help us get to know each other here in The Stretched Community. I’ll provide my answer to the question here in the post, and then you can leave your response in the comments. While you’re in the comments section, see how others answered the ice breaker question.

Today is kicks of Labor Day weekend here in the United States.  Most Americans see this as an end of the summer.  Labor Day is actually an opportunity to celebrate the impact of labor on our country.  While I am not part of a unionized labor group, I am proud to work in our country and to contribute to the betterment of our world.  Today’s Ice Breaker question is inspired by this special holiday.

Question:  If money didn’t get in the way of your decision, what would you do for your job?

My Answer:  Honestly, I’m a little scared to answer this question.  I am so thankful for my job.  And I’m thankful for how it provides for my family and my future.  I’m an operations manager for a major construction firm in the Philadelphia area.  I have the privilege of helping team members succeed in their projects and their career paths.  Our projects focus on providing comfort, security, and safety to the building our customers occupy.  I like what I do (most days).

Is this what I would do if money weren’t part of the equation?

Tough question.  I’m not sure.

Here are some of the things I might pursue further if money didn’t matter:

  • Missionary in Guatemala – I’d love to travel to Guatemala multiple times a year.  I’d love to bring teams to Guatemala to help share God’s love to widows and orphans by building houses, providing meals, and teaching skills.
  • Mentor, Coach, Speaker, Writer, Mastermind Facilitator – As I continue to tip my toes into this area, I’m excited.  I’m excited to help others who can learn from my experiences.  I’m excited to meet new people.  I’m excited to tap into an area of my brain and heart that doesn’t normally get tapped into as an engineer/operations manager.  And I’m excited about the long-term impact of these pursuits on others and on me.
  • Reality TV Show Contestant or Host – I’m a big fan of Survivor and Amazing Race.  I think it would be a blast to be on one of these shows as a contestant.  I’d love the opportunity to meet new people, see new places, and STRETCH in new ways.
  • Professional Ice Cream Taste Tester – I love ice cream.  Need I say more?

Answer this week’s ice breaker question by leaving a comment. I look forward to reading your response! (As always, feel free to share links.)  And keep Stretching!

101 ICE BREAKER IDEAS

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