The Importance of Aligning Expectations and Resources
In our client experience, there is always a gap between the New Leader’s expected and actual role and accountabilities. This happens for many reasons, with many impacts.
A Sampling of Potential Gaps
in New Leader Alignment
Gap In Expectations | New Leader's Response | |
Failure to signal role changes to key stakeholders inside and outside the organization. | New Leader receiving unrealistic demands from key stakeholders – confusion and disappointment ensues. | |
Role lacks resources required for New Leader success (headcount, team talent, R&D, budgets). | New Leader starts role already at a disadvantage, must either muster resources, accept mediocrity or jump ship. | |
Company hasn't worked through implications of changes in the marketplace. | New Leader's goals are impossibly high, or focus on the wrong thing – frustration ensues. | |
Company really wanted to entice a top-drawer candidate, and painted an overly-optimistic picture of the role. | It doesn't take long for the New Leader to recognize a "bait and switch" – a sense of betrayal ensues. |
Leader OnBoarding’s powerful tools and services help surface those gaps earlier, and in a way that fosters alignment and high performance.
If you want to learn more about managing gaps in expectations contact us.