Onboarding Yourself as a Leader

Introducing the "Read Me" Document

Dear Readers,

When stepping into a new leadership role, the typical focus is on getting up to speed with the organization's workings and your new team. However, equally important—and often overlooked—is the process of onboarding the organization to you as their new leader. This dual approach can significantly ease the transition and set the stage for effective leadership.

Understanding the Need for Leader Onboarding

Imagine the first day in a new company through the eyes of your team members: a new leader has arrived, someone they met only after the decision was made. This change can be unsettling and may cause considerable upheaval. While many leaders opt for an initial meeting to share their background and leadership philosophy, I believe in taking a more comprehensive and continuous approach.

The "Read Me" Document: Your Leadership Cheat Sheet

One of the most effective tools I've utilized in every leadership role I've embarked on is what I call a "Read Me" document. This document serves as a handy reference for your new colleagues, providing them with insights into your leadership style, expectations, preferences, and even quirks. It helps demystify your approach and gives everyone a clear idea of how best to interact and work with you from day one.