Five breakthrough things a new leader must do

Congratulations on your promotion. Whether this is your first management role or first executive position, you will want to post some big wins early on. Before you get started, take time to think about how you will prioritize and structure your time now that your role and scope of impact have expanded. At the end of your first year in this role, the goal is for the CEO, executive team, and you to agree that your promotion was a winning decision. Want to ensure resounding success? Here is a checklist you can use to boost your current leadership skills. 1. Define Success Metrics: What does success look like in the first 90 days, six months and one year? If you and your boss haven’t agreed on your top three objectives for each timeframe, draft a simple outline now. You may be tempted to “jump in” because there is pressure to perform. That is a mistake and one you may never recover from because things tend to move rapidly at this level. If your boss is reluctant to define measurable objectives, start by assuring him that you are prepared for your objectives to evolve. Before you can perform effectively, you must tie your primary goals to company objectives. 2. Understand Your Level of Authority: What budget decisions can you make? What is your scope of authority in hiring, rewards, and discipline? When do you need to talk to your boss, board of directors, human resources, or management peers? 3. Develop Executive Presence: Now that you are reporting directly to the CEO or senior management, your presentation skills count more than ever. How are your public speaking skills? How well do you match your bosses’ communication style? If she is blunt and direct, avoid communicating in a detailed, analytical style. 4. Cultivate Strategic Thinking Skills: Learn to measure the return on investment (ROI) that your team delivers. What can’t be measured tends to be cut in leaner times, so learn your key performance measures. Are you thinking big in setting strategy and goals for your team? Do you understand your company’s strengths and weaknesses? Do you have a firm grasp of opportunities and threats in your market? 5. Get Training: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average company with less than 100 employees provided only 12 minutes of management training in the last six months. Talk to your manager and find out what management training resources are available. Sign up right away, if possible. If your company doesn’t provide management training, invest in yourself! This investment can alter the course of your career for the better for many years to come. Performing at this new level of visibility and impact requires a new level of thinking and skills. Seek advice from a trusted mentor or business coach outside of the environment, so you don’t have to do your learning under a microscope. Finally, keep in mind that you were promoted for a reason. Keep your strengths and goals firmly in mind to set up long-term success. Kathleen Winsor-games is the VP of Organizational Excellence for Achievement Dynamics in Denver, Colorado. She helps executives and business owners build world-class cultures and teams. Contact me at 303-331-3401 or kathleen.winsor-games@sandler.com.