The earliest days for a new leader represent a window for establishing the tone and agenda for the rest of his or her tenure. Forbes’ reports that as many as 40% of new leaders fail regardless of whether they’re promoted from within or hired externally. We offer customized support through New Leader Assimilations and Leader Coaching to help new leaders proactively optimize this critical time period.

New Leader Assimilations (NLA) are a quick, easy, proactive way to set up leaders (and teams) for success. Teams often have limited information about a new leader, their priorities and operating style. Likewise, the new leader comes in with their own ideas, may not take the time to “listen and learn” and often is unaware of key issues and/or concerns. Yet, building rapport and trust quickly is essential for the team to perform. Where 360 surveys look back at past experiences, New Leader Assimilations occur early in the leader’s journey with the team, serving as a prevention for future challenges.

In two virtual team sessions, the time it takes for a new leader and their team to get to know each other, clarify expectations and ensure a successful start is accelerated. Best done at about the 45-to-60-day mark of the leader’s tenure, our neutral facilitator walks the leader and team through a series of steps and questions, only taking a few hours. The new leader also has an executive coaching session to better understand themselves and the needs of their team.