I recently heard an ex-MLB player turned analyst offer a significant insight. ”If a player comes up to the Big Leagues and doesn’t already have a plan of how he’ll stay there, he won’t.”
This is a solid observation from experience, but it’s also highly relevant in business. Even further, doesn’t this say volumes about the importance of proactive and timely self-preparation as an imperative when we enter any new role in life?
The business analogy is striking. It doesn’t matter if you’re enjoying a promotion, trying a lateral move, or even suffering a demotion in some form; the role is materially different.
In these times immediate readiness and preparation is often expected whether a move is inside or outside your company.
Changing to any new business role will demand many actions on your part. Some will be more urgent and important than others. This will depend on the specific situation.
In any situation you will need to (un-prioritized):
- Establish a level of Mental Preparedness
- Adapt to Culture, as required
- Learn the Reporting and Personal Power structures in play
- Over-Communicate (both laterally and vertically)
- Build Relationships with new and key people
- Engage others and Build Trust
- Learn relevant Systems and Tools
- Understand Competitive Landscape and Market(s)
- Accommodate Existing Agendas and Goals as/if required
- Identify and support essential Standing Meetings
- Develop a Vision and Strategy
- Plan for the future
- Set/confirm Goals and establish Key Metrics
- Get some Early Wins for and with your team
- Set up Your Lifestyle to match short, medium and long-term needs for sustained focus
- And, more
Most importantly, ask yourself what personal skills does this role demand of me and their priority? Make and compare a critical assessment of your current skills. To be certain, check this with a trusted colleague or mentor. Alternatively, use this guide.
Next, quickly define timely supporting actions to address those skill improvements you’ll personally require.
What you inherit in any new role will necessitate that essential maintenance and support melds with future plans for both your Business and Self. Confirm these plans with your boss/trusted colleague(s) as appropriate.
It doesn’t matter if the new role appears to need only minor adaptation on your part. Invariably, more profound changes will be valuable. Again, ask and check.
Most roles involve different balances of Internal and External Company focus. What does this job require? Adapt your learning habits, priorities, contacts and relationships accordingly.
Practically, you typically get one chance to successfully set a solid foundation upon which to build your role. So, get it right.
Have you recently changed your role at work? Did you actively set aside time to Plan your way forward? Considered both the practical and personal requirements of the job?
Our many roles in life often warrant similar attention. Have you recently had a child, married or even bought a house? If so, one of your personal roles is fundamentally changed. In such a case, have you set yourself up to succeed?
There can be times to simply fly by the seat of your pants. Nevertheless, just be sure that when you reach the Big Leagues you’ve planned how to stay and thrive.
Ian R. Mackintosh is the author of Empower Your Inner Manager Twitter @ianrmackintosh