QUESTION: How to Survive a Leadership Transition?

Dear Sheree,

I'm a senior vice president of HR at a large, global organization. The CEO has just been fired. The replacement is an outsider to the company. There's uncertainty throughout the organization, particularly among senior leadership. How can I be assured I survive this leadership transition?


RESPONSE: Create a Plan - Both for Your Business and Your Career

Dear Executive,

Everyone is in transition when leadership changes, whether the change is sudden or planned. Leadership change nearly always results in a period of organizational chaos. Anticipate this, but don't be a part of the chaos or contribute to it. Instead, I suggest that you put your energies in to developing your plan for your business and your career in light of these developments. Keep in mind that the new CEO will be evaluating the leadership team as part of assuming the new role. Since first impressions are crucial, stay focused on your business strategy.

Here are my suggestions:

1. Clarify Your Business "Story: Develop a well articulated story about your business - the opportunities, the current realities, expected results and investment strategies underway and/or anticipated.
2. Communicate this to The New CEO: Get on the CEO's schedule as soon as possible. He/she is anxious to "learn the business. At the same time, remember that while you have a plan the new CEO has an agenda which may not yet be public. Be sure to demonstrate that you are respectful of their agenda.
3. Offer Solutions: Often, new leaders are addressing what seems like a sea of complaints and problems. Bring solutions and maintain a positive approach. This is your opportunity to offer some powerful suggestions for business/market opportunities.
4. Be On Your "A Game: Recommit yourself to your goals and take on a project that offers a lot of interaction with the new CEO. This will give you an opportunity to get an "insider's view of their style.
5. Start Fresh: No matter how long your tenure at the company, consider that your career now depends on the opinion of a person who has no history with you - no knowledge of your track record or your contributions. In a sense you are starting over.
6. Know the Facts: Nothing sells better than results, so no matter what is happening around you, stay focused on delivering results. In addition be aware that statistics show leadership changes yield a 26% involuntary turnover rate. While keeping your strategic agenda moving, you should also develop a contingency plan for your career. Consider your options outside the company; consider the various possibilities inside your current company - another assignment, a new direct boss, a smaller or larger job, etc. Consider all of the possibilities, those you would welcome and those you would not welcome. Avoid joining popular doom and gloom opinions you may hear all around you.
7. Stay Fit: The intensity of the playing field has heightened. Take responsibility for your health to ensure you are at your best.
8. Show-Up An Equal: Don't forget that if you are at the top of your game, you have options too. Meet the new CEO as an equal. Understand his/her vision and be sure it is aligned with your goals of working at the company. A smart CEO will want to retain their best people and they know very well that their top players have options.

This is a very stressful time for everyone and especially at the higher levels of leadership where there is perhaps the most at stake. You'll be surrounded by leaders jockeying for position, displaying uncharacteristic behaviors or "hiding under a rock. Continue to lead your people, be that barrier between the uncertainty and the customer/business operation. Keep your eye on the business.


Dare to Deliver!
Sheree

Sheree Butterfield
Executive Coach
www.breakthroughconsulting.com