Harald was delighted when he was promoted to Head of Supply Chain at a global food products company. Originally from Germany, he built his career in the automobile industry before being hired to turn around the food products company’s manufacturing operations. He led a successful turnaround by replacing almost all the leadership team, restructuring and outsourcing production, and cutting headcount by 20%.
How to Reshape Your Leadership Brand as You Start a New Role
Assume that your reputation has preceded you — and that it may not be flattering.
October 22, 2021
Summary.
All senior leaders taking new roles need to develop and implement a strategy to reinforce or reshape their leadership brand starting well before their official “Day One.” The author offers steps leaders can take to make sure they are starting off on the right foot. First, you need to assess how key stakeholders are likely to perceive you, especially your new team and peers. Next, you need to consider what hopes or concerns people are likely to have about your arrival. Armed with this insight about how you are likely to be viewed, you must decide whether, and in what ways, you will either leverage your existing brand or work to reshape it.
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New!
HBR Learning
Leading People Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Leading People. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
What you need to know about being in charge.