If you’re just joining our MOOC with Me series: Power Onboarding, you’ll want to start here.
It’s the last week so I'll keep it short & sweet.
Here’s my take for the final module:
Reading List:
Quick Wins: Read it.
Take the Reins: Skim it.
Success that Lasts: Skip it
Quick Wins: This may be the best article of the whole course. In a nutshell:
Get results. It’s THE thing.
But hard to achieve. That “2 out of 5 leaders under-perform” stat got my attention. And they bring down their team too. Yikes.
The 5 traps. Doesn't it seem obvious sitting here reading about these behaviours? But in the franticness of those first few months? A different story. Feedback could make all the difference.
And you know what surprised me about the 5 traps? How similar the struggles were at every level.
Collective quick wins. New idea for me. Brilliant. Game-changer. Genuis…… yup - I really liked it.
Plus that cute little chart - how clever.
The most critical point of the article - it’s not only about results. It’s how you achieve them. “The best transitioning leaders approach the management of collective quick wins through the lens of leadership, not simply project management.”
One last point. A paradigm shift for me. “...the settling-in period for new leaders, are similar in many ways to change management initiatives.” So…. you’ll need to bring your best change skills and come ready to play.
This is an article I’ll be referring to over & over in years to come.
Take the Reins: One great point. Think in 3’s. “..... easy for new leaders to get overwhelmed with …new goals - and confuse people in the process.” Go with 3 broad themes to organize your goals and clarify priorities.
Success that Lasts: A deep dive into personal/professional fulfilment. Nothing specific to transitions.
Video 6.0: A couple of points we may have covered before:
Stay on your boss’s agenda: That can be a challenge, especially if you’re in a different location. Or time zone.
Manage expectations: you’re keen, but don’t set the bar too high. Think sustainable expectations.
Discussion / Other Resources:
Discussion Prompts: how will you find those “in the know” people? These are long-term employees who can surmount obstacles. Having a few of those folks in your corner would be ideal.
Tip Sheet: Nothing for me this week. You?
POP: Remember that Personal Onboarding Plan? Well, the template is complete. So I had a look. But not much for me here. I may use the format in the future. If I do, I’ll let you know.
Conclusion
One of my favourite articles this week. Plus…… we’re done. So great week.
Final Thoughts:
There was a lot to love in this course. It was well organized. The instructor was dynamic (I’ve watched some real snoozers in other courses). But the content was hit & miss. An odd mix of “smile at work” discussions and great articles like the quick wins paradox.
So it took some digging, but I’m happy with the info I got from this course. And I’m glad I took it.
But it's not a course I could recommend for leaders in transition. Too time-consuming for the payoff.
And That’s a Wrap
Our course is over. School is done.
Now, if you’ll excuse me. Time for a little Alice.
