Leadership Transition: Month 1

Leadership Transition: Month One – Make It Happen

Stepping into a new leadership role can feel daunting—especially when it involves a major shift in responsibilities, a new location, or both. Yet, with the right preparation and coaching support, this transition can become one of the most rewarding experiences of your career.

Since 2017, I’ve specialized in one-to-one coaching for leadership transitions. Before that, I spent a decade facilitating Leadership Pipeline programs for groups of leaders. Across these experiences, one truth stands out: Month One matters. It sets the pattern for everything that follows.

This article is the fourth in a six-part series on the progressive stages of leadership transition: Before You Start; Day 1; Week 1; Month 1; Quarter 1; Quarter 2. Today, we focus on how to optimize Month One in your new role.

Why Month One Is Critical

Your first month is about more than keeping the business running—it’s about building trust, shaping perceptions, and creating momentum. By the end of Month One, you should have:

• Assumed operational leadership.
• Built credibility with your team.
• Formed alliances with key stakeholders.
• Started to embed yourself in the culture.

Four Priorities for Month One

1. Assume Operational Leadership

Take control of your area of responsibility and make selected decisions that demonstrate confidence and clarity. Practical Tips

• Review Key Metrics: Understand performance drivers and pain points.
• Identify Quick Wins: Implement one or two improvements early.
• Communicate Priorities: Share what matters most in the short term.
• Balance Action with Learning: Avoid rushing into major changes before you understand the context.

2. Take Charge of the Team

Your team will be looking for reassurance and direction. Use Month One to build trust and set expectations. Practical Tips

• Hold Introductory One-on-Ones: Learn individual strengths and concerns.
• Clarify Roles and Goals: Ensure alignment on priorities.
• Signal Support for Development: Show commitment to growth.
• Address Critical Gaps: Begin planning for any necessary changes.

3. Align with Stakeholders

Start influencing key stakeholders and building alliances that will support your agenda. Practical Tips

• Map Stakeholders: Identify who matters most for your success. [Stakeholder Analysis Tool]
• Schedule Early Touchpoints: Meet with your boss and top influencers.
• Listen Before You Act: Ask open-ended questions to uncover expectations.
• Follow Up Promptly: Summarize discussions and next steps.

4. Work with the Culture

Culture isn’t a manual—it’s how decisions are made and relationships are built. Observe, adapt, and stay authentic. Practical Tips

• Observe Decision-Making Norms: How are priorities set and communicated?
• Mirror Communication Styles: Match tone and formality without losing your voice.
• Celebrate Wins Publicly: Reinforce positive behaviours in culturally appropriate ways.
• Stay True to Your Values: Adapt without compromising authenticity.

Voices from Experience

“Month One isn’t just about proving yourself—it’s about listening, learning, and laying the foundation for trust.”
“Your credibility comes from clarity and consistency. People notice what you do—and what you don’t do.”
“Culture is the invisible hand that shapes success. Understand it before you try to change it.”

Why Coaching Accelerates Success

Transition coaching helps you clarify priorities, build confidence, and accelerate integration with stakeholders and culture. My process combines proven frameworks like EZI and Watkins’ First 90 Days with proprietary tools such as MPV360 for progress tracking. The goal? To make your transition faster, smoother, and more impactful.

Ready to make your Month One count?
Visit Trevor Sherman – The Leadership Coach to learn more about my transition coaching services.

Further Reading

• Harvard Business Review: Onboarding Isn’t Enough – Why integration matters beyond orientation.
• Egon Zehnder: Accelerated Onboarding – Research and insights on reducing time to full performance.
• Michael Watkins: The First 90 Days (Amazon) – The definitive framework for leadership transitions.
• IMD: How Transition Coaches Accelerate Executive Onboarding – Evidence for the value of transition coaching.
• BCG: A CEO’s First 1,000 Days Begins with the First 100 – Strategic priorities for early impact.
• McKinsey: Starting Strong—CEO Transition as Catalyst – Best practices for leveraging the first six months.
• SHRM: Complete Employee Onboarding Guide – HR best practices for onboarding executives.
• Forbes HR Council: 20 Key Steps for Successfully Onboarding New Executives – Practical checklist for senior hires.