Week 2 Scenario:

Organizational structure, norms, values, culture, etc., all have an impact on a leader's success. Consider the new or advancing leader. Such a leader is expected to learn how to effectively perform all of the important administrative and professional/technical tasks. In addition, the leader needs to master the necessary social skills associated with early effectiveness in the new position. Below are 10 "sociopolitical" categories which may influence a transitioning leader's early (and enduring) effectiveness. These include, in no particular order, the ability to:

• enter into an established leader/employee "network";
• sense, as well as use, appropriate communication and influence behaviors;
• sense and appropriately act on keen organizational norms;
• become aware of, and sensitively interact with, organizational "blockers" and "enablers";
• build political bridges by identifying and relating to key formal/informal power sources;
• become known as a "go-to/can-do" individual;
• be perceived as a "team player";
• sense key organizational issues upon which to create early vision, initiatives, and value;
• identify and appropriately respond to the requirements of superiors/peers/subordinates; and
• be perceived as having organizationally appropriate ethics, values, and beliefs.

Week 2 Discussion Question:

In your view, how important to your enduring success in the job are your early efforts in a new leadership role?

Presuming you already have practiced some or all of the 10 items, how did you learn to do so?