Most advice about leadership transitions is sugarcoated: “Trust the process, be patient, focus on people.”

While that’s not wrong, it’s not the whole story. In this candid episode, Duncan Mapes and Jason Ehmke break through the noise to talk about what actually matters when you step into a new role: defining success metrics, proving yourself with early wins, and building credibility fast.

Leadership transitions are less about theory and more about execution, and the way you handle those first 90 days can set the tone for years to come.

Top Takeaways:

• Transitioning from a large enterprise to a smaller organization can be intimidating.
• In smaller companies, accountability is more direct and personal.
• The first few months in a new role should focus on learning and absorbing information.
• Assessing team dynamics and architecture is crucial for effective leadership.
• Early wins are important for building credibility and trust.
• Defining success criteria is essential for aligning team goals with organizational objectives.
• Fresh eyes can provide valuable insights into existing processes and team dynamics.
• Avoid making snap judgments about team members; assess their skills fairly.
• Planning should be done in phases, focusing on short-term and long-term goals.
• Continuous self-improvement is vital for effective leadership.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
• The Dichotomy of Leadership: Balancing the Challenges of Extreme Ownership to Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
• 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
• High Output Management by Andy Grove

Connect with us:

Duncan Mapes

Jason Ehmke

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