Leadership Transition: Quarter 1

Leadership Transition: Quarter One – Build Momentum through Early Wins

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: Quarter One matters. It sets the tone for everything that follows.

This article is the fifth 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 Quarter One in your new role.

Why Quarter One Is Critical

By the end of Quarter One, you should have moved beyond observation and learning into decisive action. This is the time to deliver early wins—visible improvements that build credibility and confidence. These wins vary: some are quick fixes; others require sustained effort. What matters is that they are meaningful and aligned with strategic priorities

By the end of Quarter One, you should have:

• Identified and communicated 2–3 early wins.
• Built trust and alignment with your leadership team.
• Strengthened relationships with key stakeholders.
• Established your presence and begun shaping cultural norms.

Four Priorities for Quarter One

1. Assume Operational Leadership

You’re no longer just learning—you’re leading. Align regional and local objectives with global business goals and demonstrate clarity through action.

Practical Tips

• Review Key Metrics: Understand performance drivers and pain points.
• Deliver Early Wins: Implement improvements that matter to customers and stakeholders.
• Communicate Priorities: Share your short-term focus and rationale.
• Balance Action with Learning: Avoid rushing into major changes without context.

2. Take Charge of the Team

Your team needs direction and confidence. Quarter One is about breaking down silos and fostering collaboration.

Practical Tips

• Hold Team Alignment Sessions: Clarify roles, goals, and expectations.
• Address Critical Gaps: Begin planning for capability upgrades.
• Signal Development Commitment: Show you value growth and learning.
• Celebrate Progress: Reinforce positive behaviours publicly.

3. Align with Stakeholders

Influence and trust are built through engagement. Use this quarter to deepen relationships and secure support for your agenda.

Practical Tips

• Map Stakeholders: Identify who matters most for success. [Stakeholder Analysis Tool]
• Schedule Strategic Touchpoints: Meet with your boss, peers, and key influencers.
• Listen Before Acting: Ask open-ended questions to uncover priorities.
• Follow Up Promptly: Summarize discussions and next steps.

4. Work with the Culture

Culture is the invisible hand that shapes success. Understand it before you try to change it.

Practical Tips

• Observe Decision-Making Norms: How are priorities set and communicated?
• Mirror Communication Styles: Match tone and formality without losing your own authenticity.
• Build Your Brand: Demonstrate consistency and confidence.
• Influence Through Actions: Align with norms while modelling desired behaviours.

Voices from Experience

“Quarter 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 silent influencer. Understand it before you try to reshape 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 Quarter 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. [hbr.org]
• Egon Zehnder: Accelerated Onboarding – Research on reducing time to full performance. [egonzehnder.com]
• Michael Watkins: The First 90 Days (Amazon UK) – The definitive framework for leadership transitions. [amazon.co.uk]
• IMD: How Transition Coaches Accelerate Executive Onboarding – Evidence for the value of transition coaching. [imd.org]
• BCG: A CEO’s First 1,000 Days Begins with the First 100 – Strategic priorities for early impact. [bcg.com]
• McKinsey: Starting Strong—CEO Transition as Catalyst – Best practices for leveraging the first six months. [mckinsey.com]