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If You Don't Know, Ask...Then Ask Again



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Memorable Advice - By Donna Karlin

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First impressions... Whether or not people should read a book by its cover, or the proverbial personality cover in this instance, the fact remains that most people do. So how you hit the floor running when you enter an organization will be very telling. This is a heads up to remember that in most cases, this is the norm. The only question might be is 100 days too long or do many organizations form an opinion much faster than that?

I would ask, what do you need to do to hit the floor running and stay running? Otherwise you'll be running to catch up, not lead. After a while it'll be more like hitting your head against the wall than evolving into any semblance of leadership. I'd also suggest learning as much as you can before walking through the front door. What is expected of you and by when? What do you need to know that you don't know in order to do your job in the best possible way? And if you don't know, then ask. Ask again. Ask someone else for their perspective. Don't forget to listen from a perspective of what you don't know. There's always more than one perspective. If others are holding back information, that says a lot about corporate culture and if the staff is collaborative or not. It'll also be a key determining factor as to how quickly you can get moving.

Balance those answers with your knowledge, innovative approach and energy. Integrate what others say to build a strong, cohesive team, not a dictatorship, and you'll have others on board to support you.

"Leaders don't force people to follow—they invite them on a journey." - Charles S. Lauer

Remember, in any context you have power with people, not by holding power over them. You'll all know within 3 months or less whether or not it's going to work. Cut that in half and you're ahead of the game.


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Home > Business-Coach > Donna Karlin > If You Dont Know AskThen Ask Again >

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Memorable Advice - By Donna Karlin

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About the Author: Donna Karlin

RSS for Donna's articles - Visit Donna's website
Donna Karlin, CEC, Diplomate IABMCP and founder of 'A Better Perspective' has pioneered the specialized practice of Shadow Coaching with global senior organizational leaders.

Donna is an author, speaker and lectures internationally. Her work has been written up in Fast Company Magazine, The National Post, The Globe and Mail, The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and Personal Success Magazine. Her blog Perspectives™ is avidly read by subscribers from 144 countries and she has currently authored and released the book Leaders: Their Stories, Their Words.

She is a SupporTED coach, on the team that coaches TED fellows, is Past President and current Dean of the International Consortium for Coaching in Organizations and a member of the Advisory Council for International Adademy for Behavioral Medicine, Counseling and Psychotherapy She has a proven track record in developing sustainable leadership.

For tips on how to choose a coach click here
Click here to visit Donna's website.
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