“Get to know them. Bring them into a room, and talk about how you like to work, and what’s important to you. Create an environment where people are not afraid to see you.”
When I became the Executive Vice President of Operations at Walt Disney World, I took on a team that had been working together long before I arrived. It was unfamiliar territory, and I had to discover my place within an established team. Naturally, I wanted to make my mark, but I knew I had to do it thoughtfully. So what did I do?
I took my time. I walked the halls. I met everyone. I listened. I asked questions. I observed.
For a solid month, I avoided making any big changes and just focused on building relationships and understanding the lay of the land. Eventually, the team started to trust me because they saw I wasn’t there to disrupt, but to support and improve. And soon, we were all working together seamlessly, achieving goals that once seemed out of reach.
If you are in a new leadership position, resist the urge to rush. Reliability and trust are built over time. Keep learning, stay empathetic, and you’ll create magic with your team. When they believe in you they will work with you. That is how your organization succeeds.
Resources
Travel Guidance
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Notable Moments
00:37 Leading a team you inherit
04:51 Build relationships, avoid premature changes, seek gradual improvement.
07:55 Collaborate, communicate, and respect deadlines to succeed.
10:34 Business insights empower employees for a better future.
14:15 Disney prioritizes physical and mental health safety.