Many years ago, it was not altogether uncommon for an employee to spend years, even decades working for the same organisation. Gradually, over time experience was gained and the results achieved would ensure a steady climb up the career ladder. Managers of old worked their way up, and knew their organisation and its people inside out.

Today is very different; while people generally acknowledge that curriculum vitae are weakened when they display a plethora of positions listed over a short period of time, it’s not uncommon for some to move onwards to new challenges after only a few years or even less.

And so, new managers take on new positions, with organisations and staff that are new to them. Anecdotal evidence suggested that sub-ordinates expect their new manager to come in, make sudden changes, and assert their authority.

However, the wise manager puts some of their soft skills training and experience to good use. A wise manager will spend time observing the organisation; its structure; its people, its methodology, its strengths as well as its weaknesses. The new boss should invest in listening, questioning and planning. Only then, will they be truly well armed to put their talents to good use, and drive forward positive change.