How should a new IT leader build trust with their new team while simultaneously evaluating their work and priorities?
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Talk to everyone from top to bottom. Often, people surrounding new leaders want to control the narrative. Taking time to talk and listen to everyone helps find the real influencers in the organization, who might not be in your direct line of sight.
I fully agree with James. When I joined Conmate, I had one-on-one meetings with my entire team within the first 30 days. It was busy, but it paid off. I started with my peers and executives, and each person I met, I asked who they recommend I should connect with. This extended my network and helped me identify key players and influencers outside the IT scope.
Finding key influencers is crucial and often missed. These influencers are not always easy for senior leaders to identify, but they are known within the organization. Once you find them, you can get on a great track. Also, be cautious of consultants trying to sell services. Listen to employees first.
I walked into a negative environment, and there was a lot of discussion about people poisoning the team. Building trust involved making changes to address these issues, which helped gain confidence from valuable team members.