Becoming a new leader in any company comes with a diverse range of responsibilities, including winning over the existing staff members. Undoubtedly, change is inevitable when a new leader takes over, and it often creates anxiety among employees.
But, if there is no effort from the new leader to build a rapport with the existing team, it can lead to stress and decreased productivity. Hence, it is essential to have a detailed approach to deal with this challenge successfully.
Let’s review how a new leader can ensure the existing staff members are on board with the changes they bring.
1. Communicate Effectively
The most effective way of earning trust with the existing team is to communicate effectively from day one. Every member should know what the new leader expects from them and why the company must change.
Give them a complete outline of the new vision and inform them about the proposed changes. It is essential to provide adequate motivation and discuss how the new direction benefits the company and the employees.
2. Build Relationships
Building a working relationship with the existing team can be time-consuming, but it is worth the effort. Take time to learn about the team members and their challenges, and appreciate their contributions to the organization.
Acknowledge their achievements and the hard work they have put into date. Highlighting these accomplishments shows that you have noticed, which might make them more receptive to the changes they need to implement.
3. Listen
Listening to the team members is a crucial aspect leading to winning them. When new leaders come in, they are usually presented with specific goals and objectives that they need to accomplish.
While it is essential to pursue the desired objectives, it is imperative to listen to what existing team members have to say. It will help understand their challenges and discuss how the new changes align with the company’s goals.
Suppose the changes that need to be implemented are welcomed with open arms. In that case, the existing team will have a sense of ownership and feel like they contributed to the organization’s new direction, making it more likely for them to be on board with change.
4. Provide Opportunities for Training
When new changes are brought in, it often means new skills need to be learned. Provide opportunities for training to keep the existing staff members in the loop with the new developments. Showing an interest in their development and growth helps create a sense of purpose in their roles, encouraging them to be more committed to the organization.
5. Be Transparent
Last but not least, showing transparency with the existing team members is crucial. Be open and honest about the changes and explain why certain decisions have been made. Keeping employees in the loop promotes trust, and they are more likely to support the new changes. When there is transparency in communication, there is less likelihood that team members will assume the worst and spread confusion.
Winning over the existing staff members as a new leader can be daunting, but it is essential to the organization’s success. Leaders should aim to communicate effectively, build relationships, listen, provide opportunities for training, and promote transparency.
Remember, these five strategies are not exhaustive, but implementing them is a step in the right direction. The existing team members are the foundation of any organization, and winning them over is a crucial part of a new leader’s role.
