Taking on the management of a new team can be challenging just in itself…but imagine
how difficult it would be to take over a team that was poorly managed and
dysfunctional. Even more reason to seek the advice of new manager training
experts.
Surprisingly,
they recommend the same approach for taking over a well-oiled and productive
team: tread lightly at first. Do not assume that your role will be easier
because of the incompetence of the previous manager. Instead follow best practice advice even more
closely and thoughtfully for the mismanaged team.
What
does this mean in real activities for the new manager?
- Stop, look and listen before you head out into the traffic of day-to-day business. Don’t rush in and make quick judgments as to what should be done to get the team back on track. Talk with individual team members to learn what concerns they have.
- Appreciate what they have experienced and work together to address existing issues in order of importance before you implement any of your own changes.
- Pull the team together and gain their trust before you launch your personal plan for improvement.
