Newly Promoted? A Timeline and Steps for Transition Success

Congratulations! You assumed a new role within your organization.

Before reading further, I encourage you to schedule a celebratory event for yourself.  All too often we move from one role to the next.  Take the opportunity to recognize the achievement in a way that is meaningful to you. Post celebration, follow these guidelines and set yourself up for long-term success.

Determine how much time you have to transition. This will depend on you, your company, your replacement's hire, etc..  Every situation is unique; do your best to determine tasks you’ll transition immediately and items that will take more time. 

Schedule meetings with your outgoing and incoming leader for transition clarity.  It is key to connect with both leaders early in the transition process.  Set clear expectations on the transition timeline, duties you're delegating, duties you're absorbing, etc.  Get as much detail as you can from them.

Create a transition timeline based on the clarity you receive.  The direction from your leaders populates your timeline.  You own it from here.  Look at your calendar and block time to work through the transition.  You'll need time for your meetings, your trainings, your reflections and your 1:1s. 

Schedule meetings with outgoing direct reports. Leave your former team in the best possible space for success by sharing your timeline with them. Be available when they have questions or need extra time learning a delegated task.

Schedule meetings with incoming direct reports. Seek first to understand and build trust with them. Get to know their concerns, their motivations and their career goals. It takes time to do this; demonstrate patience as you deepen these relationships.

Create a weekly check-in with yourself to assess progress. I suggest making the last working hour of your week the time to do this.  If this is Friday at 4 pm, for example, it allows you to take stock of the previous week. Jot down what went well and what did not to prepare for the week ahead. This practice of closing out the week helps you prepare for the weekend and decompress.

Expect bumps in the transition road.  Some of your tasks may take longer to transition.  Members of your old and new teams may leave the company.  Your new leader may not be as available as you'd like. Take each thing as it comes, work through it thoughtfully and learn from it.

A promotion is a time for significant growth. You, your team and the organization benefit from a clear transition. Celebrate your accomplishments and get ready for your new opportunity. You’ve got this!

Dr. Katie Stone is the founder of Together Evolving.  Email Katie at katie.stone@togetherevolving.com to learn more about the transformational impact coaching has on you and your leadership.

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