DrivenLeaders.com

Like many organizations, my company is going through its fair share of leadership changes. Be it promotions, transfers, reorganizations or resignations, there are countless reasons as to why leaders will move on to other opportunities. With the uncertainly that a temporary void in leadership creates, it also opens a narrow window of opportunity for aspiring leaders at all levels. The key is not only noticing when these opportunities arise, but being fully prepared to take advantage when they do. Doing so effectively can help you position yourself as a key player when new management begins to step in.

As the incoming leaders formalize there roles, they will undoubtedly look to find key people that can help them make their transition process successful. By positioning yourself as an informal leader in their absence, you start off on the right foot from day one. We’ve all heard the adage, “You only get one change to make a first impression” – well this situation is no different. If you are strategic about your actions during a leadership transition, you will not only create a meaningful first impression; you will be saying “I’m ready for more recognition, more responsibility, and more money .”

The following are a few suggestions on what to do before and during a leadership transition.

• Find a mentor. Find a leader you trust and respect, and be a sponge. Not only will you elevate your learning, but you’ll create an ally who can help you as future opportunities arise.
• Learn from outgoing leaders. Chances are they did things very well or horribly wrong. Either way, spend some time learning about what made them succeed or fail, and what opportunities they foresee emerging as the transition ensues.
• Build your network. Having a positive relationship with key people in your organization is a major asset. They may be able to prove insight into advancement opportunities and give you the backing necessary to win over with the incoming leaders.
• Lead your group through the change. Stepping up as a leader in your group or department is always looked at as a positive in times of change. With the knowledge you’ve gain from your network, you’ll have the confidence to calm the masses and keep your team moving forward in these times of uncertainty. In helping others succeed, you naturally project yourself as a leader and someone ready to assume additional responsibility.
• Step outside of your comfort zone. As the old saying goes, “To get what you’ve never had, you must do what you’ve never done.” Challenge yourself and your peers. The results may surprise you.
• Keep developing yourself. I know it sounds cliché, but if you sit back and ride out this transition you are wasting valuable time. There is no better time for personal development and if you’ve executed the above suggestions to this point, I’d venture to say that you’ve already learned a few lessons along the way. Don’t stop.

As with many things in life, the only constant in business is change. They key to maximizing this opportunity is being ready at any given time. Don’t wait to start this process, start today. You never know when you’re window of opportunity may just open up…