Category Archives: Mitigating the Risk of New Leader Transition

Why Do We Perpetuate the Myth of New Leader “Fit”?

We frequently hear clients talk about how they want Newly-placed Leaders to "fit" their organizational culture. And if those same New Leaders who originally were seen as the best choice later derail, it is often then attributed to a "poor fit." But, rather than using "fit" as a throwaway explanation for derailment, doesn't it make […]

Until Success Do We Part: How to Decide If a Project Management Role is For You

By Mauro Piloni If you work as a project manager (or were recently offered a role), you were probably pulled aside by management and informed that a long-term initiative was in the works. This project requires the most important ingredient – the right leader – and that frontrunner is you. What comes to mind when hearing […]

Starting the Journey: A New Project Manager’s Guide to Implementation

By Mauro Piloni If you read my previous post, you may have already passed through the checkpoints I recommended, and you have the answers you need to accept your project management opportunity.Now you are a project leader - congratulations!You agreed to take the role because you confirmed that you are the most skilled person to lead […]

The Myth of the Flawless Outsider

Why is it that so many companies exhibit a strong preference for recruiting external hires to fill key leadership roles? Are these rational, data-based decisions, or are some decision-makers falling prey to hidden biases that could prevent them from placing the right person in the role? If so, then at what cost? Much has been […]

Culture Makes or Breaks New Leaders

Many in the business community agree that a leader’s success (or even survival) in a role depends on their ability to work within the operational culture. And for those transitioning into new roles, culture lies at the root of many onboarding paradoxes. New Leaders are often hired to make changes, fix broken things, “take us […]

New to Your Job? Don’t Let Your Rival(s) Drag You Under

Whether you are a New Leader hired in from the outside or elevated to a role, there’s a good chance you will work with someone who is unhappy with your presence. We call these people rivals, and they are important to your success. Regardless of their feelings toward you, remember – they hold key historical, […]

New Leader Failure: A Problem or A Symptom?

Many of us in HR and leadership positions have experienced the same perplexing scenario – found a great candidate, placed them in a high-level role, held lofty expectations, and then they failed. And we almost always have said it happened because “they weren’t a good fit.”Are we really that bad at sizing up candidates? Were […]

What Surprises Await? The 4 Dilemmas that Can Derail Newly Promoted Leaders

You’ve worked hard, paid your dues, and earned a promotion. Enjoy the moment and celebrate your success. Then take time to recognize that some barriers and surprises may await you. Never fear – these challenges can be overcome, if you can identify and properly prepare for them. Certainly you never expected this transition to be […]

OnBoarding as Risk Management

One of the paradoxes for New Leaders is that companies hire people in whom they have confidence; and because they trust their abilities, do nothing to support onboarding transitions. What they may fail to recognize is that every leader transition comes with inherent risk.Over the years, our clients have found increasing value in treating leader […]

The #1 “Killer” of New Leaders: Failure to Achieve and Maintain Role Clarity

It should be simple: Company hires a great candidate, and its New Leader comes in and does a fantastic job without stumbling or making a wrong turn, delighting key stakeholders and performing at a high level. Now for reality: New Leaders struggle, often mightily, to become effective in their new roles. They all too frequently fail, and […]

1 2 Next »