Navigating Challenges in a New Role: Building Team Dynamics and Embracing Change
Starting a new role is a journey filled with excitement and hurdles. In my initial weeks at a new company, finding the balance between structure and existing dynamics was key.
Drawing insights from "The First 90 Days as a Manager," I set out to connect horizontally, assess, and usher in positive changes.
Building Horizontal Connections:
Understanding the team’s unique perspectives was crucial. Through one-on-one meetings, I learned about individual strengths and concerns. For example, discovering a shared interest in innovative problem-solving paved the way for collaborative brainstorming sessions.
Striking the Balance:
Structuring the team posed the challenge of balancing assertiveness with consideration. Acknowledging the importance of informal communication, I adjusted. Instead of imposing a rigid structure, team discussions were initiated to collaboratively define new processes.
Dealing with Differing Perspectives:
A team member from Ukraine brought a critical perspective. Their skepticism towards the weekly demo strategy became evident. To address this, I shared a specific example where a similar strategy led to increased team cohesion and quicker problem resolution.
