New Managers Need to Understand How to Handle Being the Most Senior And Newest Employee in an Organisation, Find the Edge Expert Says
Manchester (PRWEB UK) 29 July 2013 -- Managers who enter a new workplace are placed in the tricky position of being both the most senior and newest staff member, meaning they need a thorough understanding of the issues this can cause, John Thompson has said in a new Find the Edge article.
He uses the post to explain how people preparing to parachute into an organisation can quickly take control, and make the best possible start in their new position.
One of the most common problems experienced is a grey area over how much authority the new individual actually has.
Thompson said, "Don’t assume too much from your fancy new job title. Nearly always, your ability to make decisions will be qualified in some way.
"To complicate matters, your formal, delegated authority and your actual authority may not align perfectly. Act outside your authority at your peril; ask permission too much and you’ll be viewed as indecisive.
"In practice, you may have more, or less, authority than you have in writing. This needs to be nailed down before you are appointed, even as an interim."
He goes on to discuss the need to strike a balance between displaying clear vision and authority in the first weeks, while also taking the time to ensure any decisions taken are the right ones.
He said, "The arrival of a new leader causes anxiety as well as excitement in the business.
"People want to know what you will do and what you stand for. Remember that everything you do in the first few weeks will be in the spotlight, so make sure you are sending the right messages through your actions.
"Every leader will have their ‘rules’ and cultural standards. It is good to spell these out early on."
The article can be viewed in full here: http://www.findtheedge.co.uk/leadership/management-tips/parachuting-in-four-tips-for-a-safe-landing.
Thompson himself has become CEO or Managing Director of five different businesses, witnessing these challenges first hand. He is currently CEO of User Replay, and more about him can be found here: http://www.findtheedge.co.uk/leadership/management-tips/parachuting-in-four-tips-for-a-safe-landing.
Kenny Goodman, founder of Find the Edge said, "A new manager coming in can have all kinds of effects on an organisation - some positive, some negative.
"Understanding how to handle the transition smoothly, and how to begin making a positive difference quickly, is crucial and John gives some great advice here."
Find the Edge is a business website which gives users direct access to content created by some of the country's top business talent.
Kenny Goodman, Find the Edge, http://www.FindTheEdge.co.uk, 07540 368 439 0161 713 2506, [email protected]
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