Introducing new talent to a leadership team can offer fresh ideas to compete in the always expanding global marketplace. However, once the right talent is selected, many of our clients often ask us how to take the next step and integrate the new talent with the existing talent. Because new talent often brings a variety of backgrounds and experiences to the organization, it can be challenging to integrate the different perspectives and leadership styles. However, if done correctly, the integration of these differences can open new opportunities for the organization’s growth.
At Dinte, we believe that communication is one of the most important components of a strong team dynamic. “Everything communicates. Everything you say and do and don’t say and don’t do communicates. If you haven’t clarified your message, you’ll be reacting in the moment and improvising on the fly. This works for some. For most, it’s far more effective to have thought it through in advance,” explains George Bradt in Forbes’ article Executive Onboarding: The Key to Accelerating Success and Reducing Risk in a New Job. Developing a message and communication strategy as part of your onboarding process is important for both the existing C-Suite and the executive who is joining the team. Many leaders from the existing C-Suite and the new executive may already be familiar with each other from the interview process, but a clear communication strategy is important as the new executive is introduced to the rest of the organization. For example, one of our clients released a video of their new Head of Human Resources to introduce her to the organization. This not only allowed the new executive to communicate her approach, goals, and philosophy, but also help the organization get a sense of her style and personality.
Similarly, as a new leader, you will naturally join the organization armed with different educational and professional experience than your current team. However, your clear communication strategy will help your new executive understand current team dynamics, strategies, and best practices. In addition, as you listen to the needs and aspirations of your organization and then begin to achieve some early wins, it is important to acknowledge the contributions of the whole organization to those accomplishments.