Transitioning into a senior leadership role can be challenging for an executive. This article outlines DynaFlex CEO Darren Buddemeyer’s 9 tips for making the transition smoother.
1. Focus on the Big Picture
As a new senior leader, focusing on what you know best can be tempting. However, your role is no longer in the trenches; instead, you must lead employees from all different parts of the organization.
Make an effort to understand the role of each department and how it fits into the organization’s success. When you know the big picture, you’re better positioned to make decisions that benefit the company.
2. Improve Collaboration
It’s easy for departments to operate in silos, understanding their responsibilities but not necessarily working together. Seek to improve collaboration among departments. As your employees learn more about other teams, you’ll likely receive a lot of feedback on improving organizational processes.
3. Develop a Proactive Approach to Problems
Being proactive is almost always better than operating from a defensive position. Learn where the organization’s weaknesses are early on, and take steps to turn them into strengths.
4. Ask for Feedback
Many employees are wary of critiquing the boss. They don’t want to say something that might damage their career. Promote a working environment that encourages all types of feedback, even the negative kind. Chances are that you’ll learn some things that can help you improve as a leader.
5. Create a Positive Work Culture
Symptoms of a hostile work culture are fear, lack of innovation, and worker dissatisfaction. If your employees are unhappy, take steps to improve the environment. Offer additional benefits like company-wide days off and opportunities for growth and development. Happy, valued workers lead to better collaboration and higher morale.
6. Know That You’re Not Perfect
All people make mistakes, even senior leaders. Learn to accept your errors and overcome them. When people see that you hold yourself accountable for your actions, they’re more likely to model the same behavior.
7. Be Supportive of Your Team
There will be times when your employees need coaching and guidance to perform their jobs. Be the person who takes the time to teach them. If you don’t have the resources to train them, assign other managers to help them or provide them with educational training.
8. Learn to Make Informed Decisions
As a leader, you’ll be responsible for making significant decisions that can impact the company and your employees. Don’t make decisions based on your gut. Instead, make a conscientious effort to think about each problem and its potential outcome before deciding.
9. Stay Away from the Know-It-All Mindset
It can be easy to assume that you’re the only one who knows what’s best because you’re in a senior leadership role. In reality, that’s likely far from the truth. Identify the people in various departments who exhibit strong knowledge and rely on them for advice. Greater collaboration usually produces the best results.
About Darren Buddemeyer, CEO of DynaFlex
Darren Buddemeyer is the chief executive officer of DynaFlex, a major manufacturer of orthodontic products, orthodontic appliances, and dental sleep medicine devices. Buddemeyer’s mission is to help doctors worldwide fulfill their mission to enhance patients’ smiles and sleep quality.
