The reason a new leader is brought in has a big effect on the way the new leader is viewed. The reasons for change can be put in just a few categories. There a million specific reasons, but this is a blog not a Tolstoy novel or the Kennedy assassination recap by Bugliosi ("Reclaiming History" is 1692 pages.).
1. The previous leader left of their choosing (new job, retirement, illness, death…)
2. The previous leader was asked to leave (fired, demoted, lateral transfer…)
3. The previous leader was promoted
The images for this set of posts were used with permission from www.wpclipart.com Where you will find hundreds of images that have been placed in the public domain. This image is a depiction of Patrick Henry proclaiming "Give me libery, or give me death!"
How a leader handles each of these in the first few days or weeks will determine how long that leader stays and how successful at that position they will be...
In the first instance, the group may have been functioning quite well. In this case, a new leader would be wise to understand why things are working before tinkering or making changes. It still would be a good thing to begin to make an impression before too long or risk being viewed as a non-essential hire. The new leader may have a big image or reputation to follow and it is important to make a case as early as possible to show competence and ability.
In some ways, the second situation can be easier to inherit. If the group was failing and the leader appeared to be responsible for it or the group was disorganized and the leader appeared to be responsible for it, addressing these issues will go a long way towards establishing credibility. A large part of leadership involves credibility. A leader has to understand that direct reports cannot always be their friends. Like parents, there are times when a boss has to be a boss. A leader is hired to look after the interests of the company and the various stakeholders not jus the feelings of the staff. I am not advocating a leader needs to be heartless and unfeeling, but that people eed to act like adults and be held accountable as adults.
A new leader that inherits a situation where the previous leader has been promoted and is oversees the unit it can be very difficult. Changes can be seen as a slap at the previous way of doing things. Changes can be viewed as trying to show-up the previous leader. This can also be the case when a person leaves the company, as in situation one. This state of affairs requires a very sincere and deep discussion with the previous leader about what is expected and what kind of reactions can be expected. If possible, having this discussion before signing on to the new job would be best.
Promotions from within can often be less problematic is the succession was clear. If there was a battle and a loser then it can be a difficult time for many people. Anyone who sided with the losing party may harbor a grudge or work to undermine the winner. The time of change might just be a good time to rearrange the team roster and remove unhappy players.
Bottom line: To lead people you have to be able to fill-in the blank for the following sentence with a reason that is realistic, believable, and sincere. If you can't you have work to do before people will willingly follow you.
People should follow me because ______________.
How would you finish that sentence?
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