Executive Transition Consulting

Executive Connections LLC provides an executive coach for every executive we place to support the critical 6- to 12-month “on-boarding” process. Individual and organizational excellence is not attained through the hiring process alone, but by achieving a successful transition into the new organization. This essential added-value offering, results in:

  • Rapid acclimation to the new corporate culture
  • Effective building of personal teams and business relationships
  • Quick achievement of meaningful business results

Our expert Executive Transition Support program is specifically designed to help senior executives:

  • Clarify and shape their new roles and responsibilities
  • Build new relationships quickly and positively
  • Identify and address barriers to success
  • Manage and exceed short-term performance expectations
  • Implement business strategies and tactical plans appropriate to each new assignment
  • Create momentum to bring about organizational change
  • Secure early wins while laying the foundation for longer-term success
  • Ensure a strong personal brand presence

For more information about the value of Executive Connections LLC’s executive transition support, explore our Executive Transition Support Case Studies and contact us.

“Leaders, regardless of their level, are most vulnerable in their first few months in a new position because they lack detailed knowledge of the challenges they will face and what it will take to succeed in meeting them.”
— Michael Watkins, Author

The First 90 Days: Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders at All Levels.

TOP 10 WAYS TO CREATE A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION

Transitions can be stressful and sometimes painful if you are not prepared—whether they’re due to a layoff, a new job, career change, or working extra hours because other workers were laid off. If you’re facing one, we want you to consider the following:

  1. Let go of how things were “supposed to be” and accept “how things are.” Stop looking in the rear view mirror. Find appreciation for what is. What is the message you can gain from this transition? Where are the miracles and the life lessons you can bring into your next move?
  2. Take an honest personal inventory. Have a heart-to-heart with yourself and interview others. What are your strengths and weaknesses? Skills you will need to have going forward? What about you needs upgrading? What will you do differently? How will those influence—positively or negatively—your transition?
  3. Step up your self-care. Major changes are physically and emotionally taxing. You need self-care now more than ever. Make time for working out, yoga, biking, tennis, etc. Upgrade your exercise regime, or add something new.
  4. Work on removing the clutter in your head. Stay present, don’t go too far out there and overwhelm yourself. Calm your fears and reinforce your sense of hope and happiness. Put it out there that there is a great opportunity for you. Stay positive and upbeat.
  5. Prioritize. Let people know you are working on “project me” right now and cancel activities and events that are not opportunities. As it relates to finances, what are your most important expenses right now? What can you cut? Everything else needs to come second—within reason, of course.
  6. Make room for structure and discipline. This is a MUST! You may need to leave your house everyday just as you would to go to your previous job. Do not get sucked into doing jobs around the house or taking on extracurricular duties that do not forward your “plan.” Finding your next career move will take time; you need to make the time and cannot be distracted.
  7. Develop a success plan. Without an organized, specific plan of action, most transitions lose focus and direction. Be open to new opportunities or career change. Be really clear on what you will not do (e.g., relocate) and what you will do (e.g., move business sectors).
  8. Create a support network that’s all about you. Expand your network with people you admire and respect, and remove people you do not. Seek the support of friends or professionals who can help you take your personal brand to the next level.
  9. Engage people who can help you. Call your top 100 friends, family and business associates. Make sure you are clear on what you want from them and what you don’t. Make bold requests and don’t forget to follow up.
  10. Keep things in perspective. Or try on a new perspective.

Remember, this new transition may take six months up to a year.

If you would like to forward or reprint this article or any of our information 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 “Lola” White lead the team at Executive Connections LLC, an executive search consulting and executive coaching firm, specializing in serving organizations and senior-level executives in the following primary business sectors: Financial Services, Insurance, Marketing Services and Healthcare.

Author’s content used under license, © 2011 Executive Connections LLC