From the Ask Tom mailbag:
Question:
I have been a manager for several years, but have just been reassigned to a new division. I feel like a fish out of water. Their processes are slightly different and all of the people are new to me. And I am new to them. In the past, things were easy, no sweat, very routine, no problem. At every turn, I am getting push-back. No one seems to follow my lead or direction. Everything I say is questioned. And I have some very aggressive goals that I have to achieve.
Response:
Are you getting push-back, or are you getting tested to see where you stand as a manager? Either way, you have some work to do, individual work and group work.
Individually, you need to get to know each team member. This sounds simple, but it’s not.
In our classroom training, we call this the Mineral Rights conversation, digging little wells, looking for interests, influences and values. This is a highly structured conversation with a definite purpose. (Tomorrow, I will cover the Mineral Rights conversation in more detail.)
As a team, you need to leverage the dynamic of the group to establish the lead or direction. You are correct in your observation that no one seems to follow your lead. People only follow the lead that is in their best interest. This is a critical topic for discussion with your team.
What is the work that needs to be done? How can we best help each other to do it? What do you need from me? What do we need from each other?
Notice that the questions come from you as the manager. The responses come from the team. -TF
As you stated, You are new to them. You were reassigned for a reason. Possibly past performance of the division. The adaptation of the existing staff and youself, becomes smoother, as you strive to become part of their world. The staff’s past performance or lack of, has much to do with their past leadership. Don’t set aside, nor abandon your values and beliefs, rather conform your approach to the team’s understanding. Help them to realize their impact on achieving the goals of the division. Help them to understand how your approach, will benefit them,to become successful at their assigned duties. Adapt your approach,if needed.