Navigating an Executive Onboarding in a Previously Held Role: Key Insights
Embrace the challenge of reentering a role you've previously held. Although you might think it'll be the same, you'll find that things have evolved. New stakeholders, changed circumstances, and an altered version of yourself require a fresh approach. Approach reboarding as seriously as onboarding a new role. Adapt, then evolve.
- Take the Advantage of Time
Craft a 100-Day Plan to assess the new landscape, rebuild relationships, and strategize your message. Prepare emotional, mental, and physical for the challenge. Utilize the time between your announcement and first day to strengthen new relationships and rekindle old ones.
- Craft a Powerful Message
Remember, everything you say and do communicates. Given your history, your past actions and inactions have a louder impact. Craft your message wisely, focusing on inspiring others rather than yourself. Address their concerns – "What does this mean for me?" - and encourage dialogue through open-ended questions.
- Focus on Team Building
Acknowledge the aftermath of your departure. Some will be excited, others will mourn the change. Regardless, do not underestimate the impact of that separation. Invest time in reconnecting with key individuals and hearing their stories. Then, deploy appropriate tools to evolve the team culturally, strategically, and tactically.
Enrichment Data:
Restarting in a previous role calls for strategic planning. The following strategies can help you reboard effectively:
- Assess the Changes:
- Stakeholder Analysis: Analyze the changes in the stakeholders’ expectations and roles.
- Update Your Knowledge:
- Training: Refresh your technical and system-specific knowledge.
- Revitalize Relationships:
- Networking: Connect with old colleagues and initiate relationships with new ones.
- Establish Clear Communication:
- Clear Expectations: Set clear expectations for your role and performance.
- Keep it Personal:
- Emotional Connection: Cultivate emotional connections with your team to improve unity and collaboration.
By following these strategies, reboarding into a previous role will be a smoother, more successful transition.
- In your new job, you might consider implementing a "team of teams" approach, as suggested by retired four-star general Stanley McChrystal, fostering collaboration and shared responsibilities within your old team.
- As you re-enter your job at Disney, your previous experiences can serve as a boomerang, bringing valuable insights and lessons back into your executive onboarding process.
- To further adapt to your new role, consider participating in an executive onboarding program, like those offered by renowned leadership experts like Jim Collins or John Kotter.
- After leaving your old job for a brief period, you'll likely discover new expectations among stakeholders, necessitating a thoughtful reassessment of your 100-day action plan, under the guidance of the new leader.
- Throughout your re-entry, remember the influence of social media platforms, like Instagram and Twitter, in communicating your message, projecting your professional persona, and keeping up with industry trends.
