Getting people on board

You will need other people to make plans and implement them, so you need to take the lead in a collaborative approach. You will probably start with the leadership group, such as the board and the senior managers, but you also need to plan ways to ensure that all those involved actively participate.

Take the role of leader to gain the confidence and trust of others. Clearly communicate the business plan and opportunities for improvement to your stakeholders staff and all other relevant parties. Brief people who have specific roles. Make sure they understand and support it. Then routinely consult them to maintain their support. You will need good interpersonal and communication skills

Develop a strategy for actively encouraging and supporting team members to participate in decision making, and to appropriately assume responsibility and exercise initiative. Take all available opportunities to promote changes and their benefits.

Your strategies may be:

• clarifying roles and expectations
• providing a way for staff to give input into decisions (such as email, meetings, etc.)
• long-term or short-term plans factoring in opportunities for team input
• mentoring and 'buddy' systems to support team members to participate in decision making
• performance plans
• recognition programs for high performing staff