First Steps as the NBOC (New Boss on Campus)!

Submitted by Teri Coutu
in
Career Management
Hi, guys! GREAT SHOW! Here is my question....Let's say I am about to become the Executive > Director at another office within my current organization. There are > SO many things I want to do with the staff, etc. but I don't want to > overwhelm them, or scare them with too many changes at one time. What > would you recommend to a Director when they first start at a new > location? What are the "Must Do's" and "Must NOT Do's"? Thanks! Teri
Submitted by Tom Waltz on Monday October 8th, 2007 5:42 pm

You don't want to DO anything in your first couple weeks. Your first goals will have much more to do with learning, evaluating, and analyzing. If you run in and start doing things, they may not be the right things.

I really like Michael Watkins' "The First 90 Days" for information along those lines.

Submitted by Magnus Nesheim on Tuesday October 9th, 2007 7:53 am

Hi,

This podcast suggest that you should have an individual meeting with everyone of your directs during the first month or so. The agenda should consist of 5 topcis:

[list]1. What are the three most important things we should continue and why?
2. What are the three most important things we should change and why?
3. What are the thing you most hope I will do and why?
4. What are the thing you most fear I will do and why?
5. What advice do you have for me?[/list:u]

Publish the agenda in advance, and advice your directs to prepare.
During the meeting they should do the talking, while you should take extensive notes.

The information you get, gives you an overview of who will help you in your change efforts, amongst other things.

Good luck!

Submitted by John Hack on Tuesday October 9th, 2007 10:48 am

I would recommend creating a "briefing book" in your first month or two. This is described in detail in part two of the Mergers and Acquisitions podcasts (Aug 2006).

The Briefing Book is a great exercise, and will be very valuable to you as you work with peers, etc.

John