I started a new adventure this week in the role of Group CEO – BCS (British Computer Society, Chartered Institute of IT Professionals). I had used the time since it was announced and now to understand what this adventure might entail. I kept the reminding myself there is a big difference between looking at a garment on a website, through a shop window, feeling it in the store and trying it on. Looking at the garment being worn by a model, along with the perfect surrounding will create an almost perfect impression. Looking at it through the window with the carefully positioned lighting the garment it may still look ideal however some false impressions might get corrected. When you pick up the garment you will feel the type of cloth, the quality of the workmanship and so on. You might still think this is the garment you should buy. Only when you put it on and look at yourself in the mirror will you be sure it is the right garment.
In a similar manner, when you start a new job, you will have formed an opinion about what you will need to do in the role. The first few weeks (at least 30 days) should be devoted to listening so as to understand the reality of your responsibility. Listen to those in your team, adjacent teams, superiors, those you hope to lead, customers, suppliers, partners and anyone you may come into contact with in the role. The wider you throw the net the more you will understand and you will be prepared for what is to come. Look for the weak signals of trouble ahead, also find the connections between the different signals you have heard. From this understanding, develop the hypotheses of what you need to do in the role. In the next phase define the outcomes you plan to achieve in a few weeks/months, the next year and into the future. This idea of now, next and future is helpful is structuring or prioritising your ideas. Again this typically takes 30 days. In the next 30 days you need to focus on delivering something substantial to gain trust of colleagues or those you work with/for. The first deliverable is critical as it establishes your reputation and must provide the foundation for what you plan to accomplish.
Whilst I can spend many blog posts talking about each of these stages, I think it is most important to remember that any change of role provides a fresh beginning. An opportunity to learn from the past and progress towards realising your own ambitions. I certainly looking forward to my next adventure and will be following this kind of 30/60/90 plan. How do you prepare for a new role? What is your first 90 day plan? What advise would you give someone like me starting a new adventure?
Sunday Sprinkles 