4. How will your success be measured?
I am again surprised by how few leaders, especially in ministry and nonprofits, ever ask this question. Most of us thrive when we know the standards being used to evaluate us, and become paranoid or even resentful when we find out after the fact that we didn’t measure up.
Get clarity by asking clearly.
5. How are you perceived by your new team?
Our own self-image seldom matches reality. Just because you think you’re awesome, doesn’t mean anyone else on your new team does — or cares about your previous success.
In some cases, you might even detect resistance to your arrival because of your success elsewhere.
6. Are you talking enough?
Silence speaks. When we choose to say nothing, we’re still saying something. We’ve simply surrendered control of the message. Your team will fill in the silence by reaching into their own insecurities. And that can’t be good.
The absence of intentional communication is communication. (Tweet this!)
7. Have you enlisted a coach or mentor to guide you?
Let’s face it. You’re in uncharted waters. Your new position requires insight and wisdom you just don’t have yet. If it doesn’t, you’re probably not in the right position.
Recruit a coach — or several — who have been there, done that. They can save you a lot of pain.
8. Are you ready to pay the price to grow?
Every learning curve requires a high initial investment of time and energy — but the payoff can be huge. That’s just part of the deal. But the curve is also the place to grow like nowhere else.
The greatest potential for the most explosive personal growth is found only in the curve. Prepare to lean into it. Just for a little while.
