Executive Connections LLC - Monthly Connections E-Zine - The Critical Need for Transition Support

A Message From Jeff

Hiring managers and senior executives need to put greater value on managing executive transition, including pre-transition, during-transition and post-transition challenges.

Your actions, starting even before you accept a new leadership position through the first 6-12 months, have a disproportionate impact on your new role.

The clock is ticking as soon as you commit yourself. Your new board, your new boss, subordinates and other key stakeholders are all watching and waiting, forming early impressions and expectations that will profoundly impact your ultimate success or failure in this role.

The bottom line is that organizations and executives often do not start early enough or do the right advanced planning related to executive transition—and often the results are tragic, both to individuals and organizations.

As always, we welcome and value your input and experience. Please write to us and share your latest success or challenge related to your personal executive transition or one you are managing related to a key executive within your organization. We will feature your experiences and several case studies in our next issue.

Jeff Gundersen, CEO
Executive Connections, LLC
jgundersen@executiveconnects.com
941-323-8300
Executive Search, Coaching & Consulting
http://www.executiveconnects.com

Executive Support During Transitions—Why It’s So Important

A couple of years ago, Harvard Business School surveyed CEOs on how long it takes for an executive to reach the breakeven point in a new job—meaning the point at which his or her contribution has justified the investment in their hiring. The answer? Six months.

We see that six month milestone in even broader terms, as the boundary of an absolutely critical transition that every new executive goes through in taking charge in a new position. Those are almost always the most important six months you will ever face in a job, and the higher the position, the more critical this transition is. Read the article here.

CEO Luncheon

Executive Connections invites you to the "CEO Connections Luncheon Series," an invitation-only event on Thursday, September 21, at the Yale Club in New York City, from noon to 3pm. This year's featured speaker is Tom Harrison, Chairman and CEO of Diversified Agency Services (DAS), the world’s largest holding group of marketing services companies. He will be speaking on “Instinct: Tapping Your Entrepreneurial DNA to Achieve Your Business Goals," the title of his recently published book. Harrison has appeared on CNBC, CNNI, Bloomberg and Forbes.com discussing the book. He can be found on the Enterprise Leadership podcast. Harrison also lectures at business schools and schools of entrepreneurialism on topics.

Executive Feedback on Our Ezine

"Jeff, this is an outstanding document. I have forwarded to my CFO, who oversees all administration and the head of HR. I asked them to carefully review and consider the use of your services."
—CEO

"This newsletter is looking better and better. This communication is informative and a quick read. I think you have done a great job. Thanks for sharing."
—Director of Client Development & Strategy Consulting

"Thank you so much. This [article on listening] has some tremendous insights. In fact, I have a high-level director who can definitely use these insights on listening! And I agree: it's the most important executive skill. Thanks again."
—Vice President, Marketing Strategy

"I want you to know how much I appreciate receiving your newsletter. It is extremely well done with insightful information. Please let your team know they are doing an outstanding job."
—Senior Vice President, Business Development

Jeff's Recommended Reading

You’re in Charge—Now What? The 8-Point Plan, by Thomas J. Neff and James M. Citrin

The First 90 Days: Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders at All Levels, by Michael Watkins

Leadership for Everyone: How to Apply the Seven Essential Skills to Become a Great Motivator, Influencer and Leader

Today's Quote

"Freedom is actually a bigger game than power. Power is about what you can control. Freedom is about what you can unleash."
—Harriet Rubin

If you would like to reprint this article in your ezine, blog or website, you have our permission to do so as long as it is accompanied by the following information:

Authors Jeff Gundersen and Lorraine White lead the team at Executive Connections LLC, an executive search and executive coaching and consulting firm, specializing in building and supporting powerful executive leaders in advertising, marketing communications, direct marketing/CRM/loyalty, digital marketing/e-commerce, financial services, healthcare and private equity financed companies.