You’ve got a new job, a new team, or a new project. Credibility is vital, but people are skeptical. Questioning eyes wonder, “who is this guy?” “why him?” “seriously?” Their looks intimidate. And you wonder, “why me?” “What are they thinking?” “yikes, they look pretty smart.” And the downward spiral begins.
Here’s where it gets ugly.
Two credibility-crushing responses to that queasy feeling
1. Talk too much
It’s tempting. It’s common. Don’t do it.
Why you’ll want to…
- To release nervous energy
Share the space. They’re nervous too. Get the room talking. It will be more productive and relax everyone. - To prove you’re qualified
No one wants your resume. Show them through your actions. The ones who care most about your background have already have done their homework. Let them ask if they’re curious. - To sound smart
Don’t start with the answers. Trust me, you don’t know them.
2. Talk too little
Shutting up doesn’t work either.
Why you’ll want to…
- To be a servant leader
Your heart’s in the right place. Great start. Servant leaders are confident and inspire confidence. Inspire then with vision. Share your leadership philosophy. Ask them what they need. - So you don’t say something stupid
Just watch out for #1. Saying nothing sounds stupid too. Ask inspired and provocative questions. - You’re just “taking it all in”
Take it in, but show signs of life. Ask questions to learn more. Take it in with an energetic presence.
Great question.
Tough situation.
The people I’ve seen the most effective at this, are those who ask a lot of questions and spend a lot of one-on-one time with their new team. Schedule one-on-one’s and a team offsite within your first couple weeks.
I coach my new leaders to spend time getting to know their team members. The best way is asking direct questions….”What’s your greatest fear of me?” “How can I best support you?” etc. Plus, learn their language of appreciation and DISC personality.
Something I do before I meet a new team is visualise the leaders I have had and been completely inspired by and what made them that way. I talk this through with a coach and then meet the team. Accept your vulnerability and understand what makes others tick!
Jane, So great to see have you join the conversation. Ahh yes, visualize and build on the great feelings. Perfect.