OnBoarding and the Importance of First Impressions (Part 2) – 4 Steps to Contain and Repair Bungled Beginnings

by Stephanie Henderson

In our last blog we discussed the importance of first impressions made by New Leaders, and how others’ perceptions of them and can influence their success in the organization.

This month we continue the conversation and provide suggestions to contain and repair mistaken or negative impressions.

 

 

1. First Things First: Assess and Contain the Damage

No one who starts a role sets out to violate the cultural norms of their new organization. A New Leader may be completely oblivious to the fact that some aspect of their behavior has cast a shadow on their emerging reputation. Even if a New Leader does not suspect any problems with how others perceive them, it is wise to assess those impressions during the onboarding process. (HR Partners might also consider having a structured way to measure first impressions in their New Leader onboarding program.) A New Leader assesses how they are perceived by asking some critical questions. Topics should include:

•  What do others expect the New Leader to be doing, right from the start? 
•  What should the New Leader accomplish now and in the future?
•  What do others think about:

            –  Their own interaction with the New Leader?
            –  The performance of the New Leader’s team?
            –  How the New Leader approached a challenging situation?

•  What is the real way “things get done,” in the context of the organizational culture? 

Another way to understand the impressions being formed is to conduct a multi-rater survey, which can create the starting point for deeper conversations about actions, intentions, and resulting perceptions. LevelSet: Early Feedback is a recommended tool designed to capture a New Leader’s early impact on others. Multi-rater surveys not only provide important data, but they also serve as a safe, anonymous platform for key others to openly share their views of the New Leader. Conversations initiated from results of these surveys can help clear up misconceptions and get others’ impressions back on the right track.

We often find that by the time an organization provides this critical feedback, it is too late for the New Leader to course-correct. Creating a knowledge base about the Leader’s early impact will increase their chances for overall success.

2. Make Repairs and Keep Communication Open

Addressing missteps, misperceptions and misunderstandings head-on is necessary to positively shape a New Leader’s reputation and promote their effectiveness, performance and longevity. To do this, the New Leader must become transparent and remain open to feedback.

•  Acknowledge the presence of a problem or challenge. 
•  Share the plan to address it (work with an HR Partner if necessary).
•  Invite ongoing, spontaneous feedback about progress and other related challenges.

 

3. Focus on Building Relationships

While the New Leader’s role may require influencing the organization’s direction, they will falter without foundational relationship work. A New Leader can demonstrate positive intent by building effective relationships across the organization. Even if early experiences did not go as hoped, the act of getting to know colleagues provides a foundation for communicating a desire to honor the culture and its inhabitants. This can bridge the gap between the missteps that observers have encountered and the true intentions of the Leader (who was rightly selected for the role). Relationships also help New Leaders engage in rapid learning about practices and history, and they can develop a deeper understanding of their operation and different stakeholder groups.

It’s important to note here that those working with (and for) the New Leader are also concerned about how they are viewed during this time of transition. As Diane Downey states in her book, Assimilating New Leaders: The Key to Executive Retention, “The new leader needs to understand that she is not the only one managing impressions. Others are just as conscious of managing the new leader’s impressions of them as the new leader is managing their impressions of her.” With this in mind, New Leaders should anticipate that they might also need to pardon any initial negative experiences they have had. Relationships are a two-way street.

4. Align Expectations Throughout the Organization

When new to an organization, Leaders (and employees, in general) often discover that their various colleagues and stakeholder groups hold different expectations for them and their role. These perspectives and goals can come into direct conflict, which creates an uncomfortable paradox for the New Leader. In this scenario, they must learn to work through the appropriate channels, while honoring organizational politics and cultural norms. If New Leaders approach these situations correctly, they can begin to align the various expectations. This role definition/clarity ultimately helps New Leaders manage their reputations across groups.

The actions listed above should not be viewed as one-time events. The New Leader must consistently work to understand the perceptions and align expectations of others. Seeking feedback demonstrates their willingness to value and understand their new colleagues and operation. Consistency, communication and intentional actions create trust and validate the Leader’s commitment. Indeed, first impressions are powerful, and if managed correctly they can be used to gain leverage in a New Leader’s role. A broader power base increases the New Leader’s ability to contribute to the long-term success of the organization. Utilizing tools, communicating, building relationships, and aligning expectations will aid New Leaders in recovering from a blundered beginning.

OnBoarding and the Importance of First Impressions – Part 1

By Stephanie Henderson

We’ve all received the same advice at some point in our life. Whether it’s an audition for a play, a blind date, or a job interview, we have heard: “First impressions are the most important – so get it right.” And from our experience with clients, it holds true that how key others perceive a New Leader early in their tenure can (regardless of the Leader's strengths and capabilities) predict their eventual success and longevity.

 

First Impressions Often Trump Later Interactions

Early impressions can be tricky. While we’d like to think we’re objective judges of people and situations, *recent research indicates that the human brain spontaneously translates one’s first experiences into more lasting impressions with minimal effort. Our brain also weights early encounters more heavily than later interactions, and these primary observations then build the framework for future perceptions. Once first impressions are generated, we tend to exhibit a self-confirming bias, connecting later experiences with things we already know or believe to be true (sometimes ignoring new information that contradicts our initial assumptions). This natural tendency to observe individuals through a filter can paint a skewed portrait of a New Leader’s true abilities. That distorted perspective will have a lasting impact on the New Leader’s influence, their operation’s success, and career viability within that organization.

We often find that New Leaders have a limited awareness of the negatively biased or incorrect viewpoints others hold until it is almost too late to course-correct. From this we conclude that it is critical for New Leaders to understand how others in the organization perceive them, and recognize the potential impact of the lasting impressions that have been formed.

 

Gauging Impact is Critical to New Leader Success

It is safe to say that most – if not all – New Leaders want to make a good impression. But often, they may not understand the importance of assessing their own impact. Here are three ways a New Leader can get needed insight into the perceptions their behavior has generated.

1. Build relationships and establish networks. To gain accurate feedback about the first impressions they create, New Leaders need to hear from colleagues, Hiring Managers and their team members. Forming relationships to foster open discussions can take time, but it is an important New Leader investment for a number of reasons. If undertaken correctly, New Leaders can initiate positive conversations to gain insight into their early impact, and how others view them. From there they can work to get back on track, if needed.

2. Understand the timing of the organization’s expectations for onboarding. While most New Leaders experience a grace period that allows time to learn about their new organization and the latitude to make mistakes, this phase is relatively short. We call this stage of onboarding the “window of judgment,” as it is typical for others to have fairly indelible first impressions of New Leader effectiveness in their first 2-4 months. (Interestingly, as recently as 10 years ago, our clients afforded New Leaders 4-6 months of this deferred judgment of performance.)

Another point to take into consideration is the notion that this grace period usually holds true only for Leaders new to an organization. Those placed in a role from elsewhere within the company are often expected to “hit the ground running,” and not provided adequate time to understand their new environment, team and customers. If the expectations for their full performance exist before the internally-moved New Leader has learned needed information, it becomes far trickier to ask questions and gain knowledge from others. It is key for those New Leaders (and their employer) to recognize that others may expect deliverables before they have the capacity to produce the desired results.

3. Take time to learn about the culture and organization. Understanding the culture will provide insight into overall expectations for a New Leader’s performance. To be fair, it does take a certain amount of time for a New Leader to understand an organization’s culture and norms. But fair or not, if a New Leader does not adhere to an organization’s unique standards and etiquette, they can unknowingly undermine their own credibility and lose needed support. This scenario sets the stage for possible missteps that can lead to others’ negative judgments or their own compromised results. New Leaders should ask trusted colleagues to help them navigate the culture, and harvest any advice for effectively meeting expectations. Measurement tools like Culture Snapshot or LevelSet: Early Feedback can deliver unique insights early enough to stay on the right track, accelerate the Leader’s transition and increase effectiveness, overall.


When it comes to unbiased first impressions, it may seem like the deck is stacked against a New Leader – whether hired from outside or promoted from within an organization. But in the midst of this, there is good news. It is possible for New Leaders to manage their own behavior effectively, become aware of the impressions being formed, and take action to correct misperceptions/mistakes and enhance their reputation. If you are a New Leader (or a Hiring Manager or HR Partner supporting a New Leader), be reassured that it’s not too late. In our next blog we will look at some practical ways New Leaders can repair negative or mistaken impressions, and reset others’ expectations. 

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* Stress Strengthens Memory of First Impressions of Others' Positive Personality Traits
Johanna Lass-Hennemann, Linn K. Kuehl, André Schulz, Melly S. Oitzl, Hartmut Schachinger  

J vs. P: How Does Your MBTI Profile Influence Your Transition?

This is the final entry of our MBTI 5-part series. So far we have examined how preferences and behaviors associated with dimensions of Extraversion/Introversion, Sensor/Intuitor, and Thinker/Feeler impact New Leader transitions. This month we will conclude with a discussion of how Judger/Perceiver behaviors can influence a New Leader’s onboarding experience, and how to manage the risks associated with each approach.

Judger/Perceiver (J/P):

The Judger/Perceiver dimension is about how one relates to time – ranging from planning to goal execution. This is an important dimension to consider because every organization (and workgroup) has different cultural norms about timeliness, planning and execution.

Judgers tend to be proactive about planning, and build structure around their deliverables to ensure their work is delivered in a timely and orderly fashion. They are also more likely to arrive at meetings early (or on time). Perceivers are inclined to leave their options open, not becoming too locked into one path to an outcome; and they are better able to adapt to unexpected circumstances.

Sizing Up the Operation

 

New Leaders stepping into (or advancing up to) a new role usually start sizing up their new organization during the interview process (see E vs. I blog). Judgers and Perceivers may require different lengths of time to understand the operation, and they will likely react in different ways to what they observe.

When studying an organization’s operations, Judgers might not allow enough ramp-up/learning time. They will likely generate an understanding of their new situation rather quickly. As a New Leader, the Judger often wants to know precisely how things run and what the future holds. They may believe that questions need immediate answers, and will seek fast access to related details. Even before they take the helm, Judgers are often setting goals and defining the steps they will take to meet their objectives.

Perceivers are not as likely to pigeonhole any particular situation or person. They will probably devote more time learning about the many facets of their new operation, and not jump to conclusions. For Perceivers, the future is open. If they cannot understand every aspect of the operation right away, they believe that answers to their questions will come, with time. While many Perceivers may take 2-3 months to size up the organization, in contrast, some Judgers might think they need only 1-2 weeks (if that).

Managing Performance

Once they understand their new operation, New Leaders are in a position to take action -- why else would they be there? Managing daily performance will likely differ between Judgers and Perceivers.

Judgers have an urgency to gain closure and may quickly jump into the fray. They might generate a strategy and have goals in place even before their nameplate is ordered. Judgers tend to find comfort in creating order, defining steps, and holding themselves and others accountable in follow-through. You won’t catch Judgers or their teams racing to meet a deadline. They are decisive, deliberate, and if they anticipate any potential changes they will plan accordingly. Conversely, when unexpected changes occur, Judgers might struggle to adjust, and could be viewed as not having considered enough possibilities before taking action.

Perceivers are more likely to cast a broad net in their aspirations for the operation – to see what is possible. They enjoy the freedom to carve their own path and “go with the flow,” and may create a work environment that fosters this approach. Those with this preference tend to take risks by “thinking outside the box,” which can be essential to the organization’s success. Perceivers are comfortable in more ambiguous settings where ample time allows them to consider their next step, and they can adapt to changes without much concern. But this can negatively impact the team’s ability to deliver in a timely way (and frustrate those who prefer a structured, well-communicated approach).

Advice for J and P Leaders

Both Judgers and Perceivers are an asset to any organization. The key for both types of New Leaders is to understand what the organization values, apply strengths and have strategies for overcoming challenges.

Judgers naturally strategize, recognize the organization’s direction and advance in a systematic way. However, it is often the case that tested methods are not the best choice – new challenges may require new solutions. Increasing your flexibility while retaining your goal-setting skills can make you a balanced and appreciated New Leader. With this in mind Judgers should:

• Anticipate that in every kind of role, curve balls will be thrown at you and your operation.
• Recognize that structure and planning are important, but too much of both can stifle progress.
• Give others in your organization time to catch up to you, and respect their need for freedom to think creatively and respond flexibly.
• Realize that becoming agile will require some letting go of the original plan.

On the other end of the spectrum, Perceivers should understand that their agility and strength in risk-taking also greatly benefits the organization. And making an effort to balance your broadband thinking with a more-structured approach will make your risk-taking side look intentional, instead of just lucky. To get there we suggest that Perceivers:

• Know that goals will need to be set, and deadlines must be met.
• Realize that those around you will require clarity on your direction.
• Read the signals -- if work is piling up, it is time to approach your work differently.
• Demonstrate accountability for yourself and others.

We hope you have enjoyed this 5-part series on the MBTI dimensions. Understanding your preferences and how those relate to your onboarding experience can smooth your entry into a new role and work environment. If you have any questions about how your MBTI preferences can impact your effectiveness as a New Leader, contact us at info@leaderonboarding.com or visit our website: www.leaderonboarding.com.

T vs. F: How Does Your MBTI Profile Influence Your Transition?

This is the fourth segment in our 5-part onboarding and MBTI blog series. Last month we looked at the Sensor/Intuitor dimension. This month we will focus on the Thinking/Feeling dimension and how these two preferences lead organizational change and develop relationships with Peers.

Thinker/Feeler (T/F):

The T vs. F dimension is related to how we make decisions. Thinkers use logic and they value consistency when facing a decision. Feelers can come across as more empathetic, and encourage situational fairness in the decision-making process.

Leading Organizational Change

Often New Leaders may step into a role confronted with a directive from their Hiring Managers to initiate changes. And when faced with this expectation, Thinkers and Feelers are likely to react to this situation differently.

Thinkers are apt to lean toward logic in this arena. They may see an obvious problem in the organization and believe that it should be repaired immediately. As goal-oriented individuals, Thinkers will analyze the facts, look at data and draw their own conclusions. Once a decision is made by the leader, the next step is most often implementation. This linear way of operating usually produces faster action while implementing change.

Feelers tend to consider the history and culture of an organization and the impact of the decision on its members when they see areas that need restructuring. Using a democratic approach, Feelers will seek input from those impacted by any alterations, and demonstrate that they value these contributions. Even if it takes more time to act, Feelers believe this step of interpersonal due process is important.

 

 

Connecting with Peers

Developing relationships with Peers is essential to onboarding success. Often it’s the colleagues on equal footing that will fill you in on the culture, tell you what has worked (and hasn’t) in the past, and explain how things are done and why.

Thinkers, tending to be logical and objective, are often straightforward in their communication styles. They are likely articulate and clear. However, Thinkers might unknowingly plow through discussions, or skip the bonding “water cooler” conversations. Thinkers can also come across as rigid (especially to Feelers in the group), and their perceived lack of flexibility can create a divide.

Feelers are often more people oriented, and may even be viewed as more “likeable” than Thinkers. Their ability to empathize can put most people at ease and break down barriers to communication. However, if pushed to the limit, Feelers can have an emotional reaction to internal conflict and be viewed as unprofessional or weak (especially to the Thinkers in the organization).

Advice for T and F Leaders

The behavior associated with preferences of both Thinkers and Feelers can add value to any organization. But if one is sitting too close to either end of the spectrum, trouble may ensue. When it comes to leading change, Thinkers and Feelers have a responsibility to examine what is best for the organization. Is it more important to fix an existing problem now? Or, is it best to gather input from various levels to avoid alienating your Peers and Direct Reports? Should we use strict rules of thumb in decision-making, or does each area impacted by the decision need to be considered separately?

Thinkers risk their support for being a change agent when they try to pluck the “low hanging fruit.” If you are in this position, remember that there is a reason this obvious problem perpetuates. The culture may support its existence, and a specific leader might even be responsible for the problem. Solicit others for feedback regarding the changes you want to make -- even the seemingly easy modifications. Encouraging involvement from your colleagues will also build the relationships you need to foster.

Feelers can help others gain a sense of importance (and stake in the decision) by asking for input. But how far can this democracy go? Usually it is the right move to solicit feedback (especially as a New Leader learning the culture), but at what cost? Keep in mind that timing should also be considered when implementing change. Create some emotional distance when a choice needs to be made quickly. Otherwise missed opportunities may create turmoil in your onboarding process. And learning to separate emotions from decisions (if done in a balanced way) can increase your credibility among Peers.

Knowing when and how to face change in a new role is no easy task. It takes effort and understanding for both Thinkers and Feelers. And interactions between Thinker and Feeler colleagues can be smoothed out by understanding your own preference and recognizing that you may be working with someone who views decision-making and relationships in a different way.

If you have questions about how the T vs. F dimension could impact your onboarding process, contact us at info@leaderonboarding.com. Next month our series concludes with the Judging/Perceiving dimension.

S vs. N: How Does Your MBTI Preference Influence Your Transition?

We continue our series on MBTI preferences, and how these aspects of a New Leader’s personality impact their onboarding experience. Last month we looked at the Extraversion/Introversion dimension, and how important it is to understand the impact of communication style on leader transition. For this post, we look at the Sensor/Intuitor dimension, and how these preferences influence the effectiveness of a New Leader’s introduction to the organizational culture and their team.

Sensor/Intuitor (S/N):

The S vs. N dimension indicates how one identifies, interprets and relates to data, which in turn can influence transition behavior. Sensors tend to be detail-oriented and linear, valuing facts and historical precedents. Intuitors are more likely to interact with data in a less-structured way, often thinking about the future more creatively and on a generalized or large scale.

You have probably heard the saying “Can’t see the forest for the trees,” which is particularly relevant to the S vs. N dimension. Sensors may have a tendency to see individual trees, examine the bark on their trunks and study their height and symmetry. On the other hand, Intitutors would tend to see, well, a forest.

Understanding the Culture

New Leaders entering a role must place value on, and set aside time to understand, the organization’s culture. Not doing so could lead to derailment.

Sensors tend to look at the hard facts; and culture is difficult to quantify or make concrete. Cultures often have nuances, including unwritten rules. Because of these characteristics, a Sensor might miss the mark on understanding their new environment (or even the importance of grasping the culture). Intuitors often are able get a better feel for a culture, and can read into the nuances and unspoken rules. Unfortunately, this big-picture approach may cause them to miss important operational details that are considered central to organizational culture and performance.

Leading the Team

Sensors and Intuitors probably have different approaches to leading a team. Because they place high value on data and details, Sensors can inadvertently signal mistrust by asking a greater number of questions, or getting too closely involved with parts of the operation normally entrusted to others (Direct Reports are most often impacted this way). Conversely, Sensors can also provide specific information and directions to their Direct Reports – guidance that can create focus and role clarity.

On the other side of the spectrum, Intuitors might distance themselves too much from specifics, and miss opportunities to understand data. They may be more likely to provide vague or confusing directions. However, Intuitors usually have the ability to generate original ideas and strategies, see the big picture, and communicate their vision to others.

 Advice for S and N Leaders

If you are new to your role, consider which side of the S/N fence you lean on. Look at how you interact not just with data, but with colleagues and Direct Reports. Are you missing important details? Or are you digging into aspects of the operation that are normally managed by others?

Sensors, be sure to communicate why you need to be so deeply involved. It is best to inform Direct Reports that as part of your learning process you need to ask many questions, often about precedents, policies and procedures that may be out of your purview. Communicate that you will be sizing up the fine points of their work at the beginning of your role, so that you can get to know the responsibilities of each team member better. And then promise to back away as you confirm that everything is operating as it should be. Do provide the caveat that you may dive back into the details if you have later concerns, and that they should reach out to clarify what those issues might be if they see this behavior from you. Remember to follow through on that agreement, even though you may be tempted at times to do deep dives to satisfy your curiosity.

Intuitors are likely to be more distant from the details, and often don’t scrutinize the work of their team members as closely. Because of this, Intuitors could be viewed by some (particularly strong Sensors) as unprepared or incompetent. To demonstrate your ability to support success, make time to specifically understand and communicate about organizational metrics. Learn the company acronyms, memorize names, and study precedents, policies and processes related to your area.

With any act of balancing there can be discomfort of some form. Going against the grain of your natural inclinations can take some effort. And Sensors/Intuitors need to be aware of the impact that their natural preferences have upon their work, the people around them, and their ultimate success. Honor your preference, but also realize that in a leadership role you will need to counterbalance any extreme ways of thinking and behaving.

If you have questions about how the S vs. N dimension may impact your (or your New Leader’s) onboarding process, contact us at info@leaderonboarding.com. Next month our series continues with a conversation on how we make decisions – the Thinking/Feeling dimension.

E vs. I: How Does Your MBTI Preference Influence Your Transition?

Last month, we started a conversation about the implications of style/preference for Leaders transitioning into new roles. In that post, we explored some of the paradoxes faced during New Leader onboarding. And in the next four posts, we will explore the impact of the 4 primary dimensions measured by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).

This month, we are considering the Extraversion/Introversion dimension, and will correlate that with how New Leaders can apply this information to their onboarding process.

 

 

Extraversion/Introversion (E/I):

This dimension indicates the primary source of energy (and thus orientation) of individuals. Extraverts draw sustenance from people and interactions, while Introverts are more likely to feel refreshed and energetic after time spent alone. As you might imagine, New Leader transition can be a time of high people interaction, so it may be helpful to optimize onboarding effectiveness through self-awareness. (Important to note: the E/I dimension does not measure shyness – that is an inherent trait that can apply to both Introverts and Extraverts).

The Interview Process (It All Starts Here)

Candidates may look identical on paper, with very similar skill sets and historical work experience. Hiring Managers need to understand what lies beyond the résumé, as the selection-process interviews usually determine which candidate is hired. As we know, the first impression created during a job interview can have great bearing on whether or not an offer is forthcoming. In this area, there are distinct advantages to being an Extravert or an Introvert. And the ideal candidate may be someone who manages to offer the best of both ends of the E/I dimension: a warm, approachable person with excellent listening skills.

Life Inside the Role: Switching Gears to Post-hire

Once hired, both Extraverts and Introverts benefit by adopting behaviors that are included the range of possibilities for this dimension. New colleagues want to feel liked, understood and respected. They want New Leaders to value practices and precedents. Naturally, that involves listening, but it also requires enough approachability for the New Leader’s Peers and Direct Reports to let down their guard and share potentially negative information. The key is to interact in a way that inspires trust and connectedness.

Advice for Both E and I Leaders: Your'e Right for the Role -- Relax

 

First of all, be honest with yourself -- about who you are, and where you are more comfortable when it comes to communicating and relationship-building. No one has the “right” preference for the role or for effective onboarding. Find the balance between leveraging your strengths and focusing on areas where you need to actively compensate for your preferred approach.

Introverts might need to make a conscious effort to demonstrate warmth by adding a personal tone in their conversations. On the other hand, Extraverts should remember to slow down, listen carefully, and learn from their new colleagues and Direct Reports. Introverts become more effective when they remember to express their thoughts more frequently, while Extraverts may benefit from taking an active-listening approach. For instance, Extraverts (who are known as “external processors” and tend to think out loud) can signal they are listening by taking notes during conversations.

This high-level view of the challenges faced by Extraverts and Introverts in new roles certainly carries many more nuanced details than the information contained here. And it is definitely worth the consideration of any Leader starting a new role.

If you have questions about how these preferences may impact your (or you New Leader’s) onboarding process, contact us at info@leaderonboarding.com.

Check back to this site next month for a discussion about how New Leaders can most effectively gather and process information about their new operation (the Senser vs. Intuitor dimension).

New Leaders: How Does Your MBTI Profile Influence Your Transition?

If you are a New Leader, it is important to take a step back and study the organization you are entering (and the people in it). Unfortunately – for a variety of reasons – some New Leaders dive headlong into a role without thinking about the impact their actions may have on others. Oblivious New Leaders do so at their own peril, and they fail to meet the needs and expectations of key individuals around them.

The results: angry and resentful colleagues, neglected Direct Reports, and a Hiring Manager who wonders if the right decision was made. Not a great way to start. Damaged relationships can ultimately lead to your undoing, and it will reinforce the idea that somehow you weren't the right “fit” for the organization.

From Self-Awareness to Success

There is a better way to navigate the onboarding process than the white-knuckle approach. New Leaders must develop self-awareness about their own leadership style and address the needs of others in the organization. There are a variety of tools designed to foster self understanding. Our favorite is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). The MBTI is an established self assessment that is widely used, non-clinical, straightforward and the results are easy to interpret. It provides a quick view into how people perceive the world and make decisions (which ultimately directs one’s behavior).

New Leaders who use the MBTI assessment tool should keep in mind that the results are indeed your own preferences, and not necessarily the “right” way of seeing and doing things.

There are 4 areas that the MBTI utilizes to find your preferences:

1. Source of Energy – are you motivated more through interactions with others, or recharged by solitude?
2. Data Processing – are you more interested in numbers and sequential processing, or are you likely to cast a broader net, seeking variety of information (external inputs, qualitative information, etc.)?
3. Decision Making – do you have steadfast rules of thumb to maintain consistency, or are you more concerned about the impact your decisions may have on others?
4. Planning and Implementation – are you structured and time-bound in planning, or do you embrace a more spontaneous and flexible approach?

MBTI and Your Role

At this point, you may be asking, “What does any of this have to do with my transition as a New Leader?” The answer is simple. By applying what you discover about your preferences (and behavior) you can increase your chance of onboarding success. Take into account how each of the 4 dimensions play out in the actions and expectations of your new colleagues (and the broader organizational culture). And, most importantly, be sure to recognize the risks of rigidly holding to your own preferences. Pick your “battles” wisely, as often you will do better to adapt instead of asserting what you think is best. We often tell our clients that as a New Leader you don’t have be a perfect stylistic match – the key to success is knowing where to adjust your behavior and learning to relate to others in a positive, productive way.

In our next 4 blog posts, we will explore how personality styles impact Leader transitions by identifying the risk factors inherent for each of the 4 MBTI dimensions. Check back next month for winning strategies that will help you balance your leadership style with the needs and expectations of others.