Dora Vanourek, based in Vancouver, BC, CA, is currently a Founder and Executive Transition Coach at Beyond the Grind. Dora Vanourek brings experience from previous roles at IBM.
Boards want validation. Teams look for answers. Peers are wondering, “Were you the right choice?”
Everyone expects impact. Fast. But here’s what no one tells you: Those first moves meant to prove your worth can quietly sabotage your transition. And damage your credibility and reputation, if you fall into these quick win traps:
1. Prioritizing speed over relationships: Rushing for result without building alliances leads to resistace.
2. Overpromising bold results too early: Set incremental milestones base on what you genuily know
3. Copy/pasting old playbooks: Undestand the culture and dynamics first
4. Forcing change too fast: 4. Forcing change too fast: Making big changes before understanding politics leads to chaos. Get veteran insights and key influencers buy-in first
5. Trying to do too much at once: Launching many projects simultaneously means none get delivered well. Focus on just 1 – 2 high impact priorities.
6. Chasing surface-level wins: Shallow wins just for appearances erode trust. Ask does this solve real problems people care about?
7. Listening only to the loudest voices: Letting outspoken people drive your agenda creates blind spots. Map stakeholders and actively engage quietvoices
8. Working without team buy-in: Making decisions and acting alone leads to trustration and lost trust. Trust and empower others to help you.
To make your first year successful, do something different:
– Observe to understand culture before changing it
– Slow down to uncover the unwritten rules
– Learn what the org chart doesn’t show
– Build trust before demanding results
– Listen more than you talk
Remember: You were hired to succeed. You already have what it takes.
Posted by gandatmadi46@yahoo.com