Leading from Day One: How to Successfully Take Charge of a New Team

Leading from Day One: How to Successfully Take Charge of a New Team

By Mark Wager

Congratulations! You’ve just secured a new leadership position. Whether through a well-earned promotion or as an external hire, you’ve reached an exciting milestone. The anticipation is over, and now the real challenge begins—your first day leading a new team. After all the preparation and effort to land the role, this is your moment to set the stage for long-term success.

First impressions matter. The way you approach your first day will shape how your team perceives you and how you’ll work together. With that in mind, here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you hit the ground running as a leader.

Be Visible and Approachable

Starting with visibility is crucial. If you’re new to the team, remember that your team members are likely feeling as nervous as you are—if not more so. Research shows that one of the biggest reasons people leave their jobs is due to strained relationships with their immediate manager. Naturally, your team will be wondering, What kind of leader is this person going to be?

To put their minds at ease, make it your first priority to meet everyone individually. As soon as you step through the door, walk around and introduce yourself. Keep it light and friendly—this isn’t the time for in-depth discussions about work. A simple, “Hi, I’m Mark, and I’m really excited to work with you,” is enough to break the ice.

Why do this individually rather than as a group? A personal introduction sends a clear message: I value you as an individual. This small step sets a strong foundation for trust and signals that your leadership is people-focused.

Create Your Personal Workspace

After greeting your team, take some time to establish your own workspace. It may seem like a small detail, but having a functional and organised setup helps you mentally prepare for your role.

Ensure you have access to all essential tools, such as email, company systems, and any resources you’ll need to get started. If these weren’t set up in advance, now is the time to sort them out. This window also gives you a moment to review your notes and prepare for the day’s key event: your first team meeting.

Host a Memorable First Team Meeting

Your first team meeting is one of the most significant moments of your early leadership journey. This is your chance to set the tone, establish expectations, and address the team’s most pressing questions.

Keep the meeting concise—30 minutes at most—but impactful. Structure the meeting around three main objectives:

1. Introduce yourself as a person.

2. Share your leadership philosophy.

3. Clarify the environment you want to create.

Let’s explore these objectives in more detail:

Who Are You as a Person?

Building strong relationships starts with transparency. Teams are built on trust, and trust begins with people knowing who you are. Share a little about your background, your career journey, and even some personal details that humanise you—hobbies, values, or what motivates you.

Avoid oversharing or going off-topic, but aim to show your authentic self. This is your opportunity to break down barriers and start building rapport.

Who Are You as a Leader?

Your team needs clarity about your leadership style. Explain your approach to common scenarios, such as how you prefer to give and receive feedback, how decisions will be made, and the level of collaboration you expect.

This discussion is an opportunity to align expectations and ensure there are no surprises down the road. For example, if you value direct communication, let your team know that honesty and openness are encouraged.

What Kind of Environment Do You Want to Build?

Every leader dreams of creating a high-performing team, but success looks different for every group. Use this meeting to share your vision of an ideal team environment. Be specific—talk about the behaviours, attitudes, and values you want to cultivate.

For instance, if you value flexibility, outline how that will work in practice. If punctuality and structure are priorities, clarify those expectations upfront. Providing this clarity will help avoid misunderstandings and set the team up for success.

Build Relationships Through One-on-One Meetings

While group meetings are important, individual conversations are where the real connection happens. Within your first week (and no later than your second), schedule one-on-one meetings with each team member.

These meetings are your opportunity to learn about the unique strengths, motivations, and challenges of your team. Think of your team as a puzzle—each person represents a piece, and your job is to figure out how they fit together.

Start with open-ended questions, such as:

• What do you enjoy most about your role?

• What challenges are you currently facing?

• How can I support you to be successful?

Active listening is crucial here. Take notes and show genuine interest in their answers. This not only helps you understand your team but also demonstrates that you care about their opinions and aspirations.

Balance Listening with Leadership

Your early days as a leader are about finding the right balance between listening and leading. While it’s essential to gather feedback and understand your team’s dynamics, it’s equally important to establish your authority and provide direction.

Remember, leadership is not about control—it’s about creating an environment where your team feels empowered to perform at their best. Be open to suggestions, but don’t shy away from making decisions when necessary.

Create a Plan for the Future

Your first day is only the beginning. Once you’ve established trust and clarity, focus on laying the groundwork for long-term success. Develop a 30-day plan that includes:

• Setting short-term goals with your team.

• Identifying areas for improvement or opportunities for growth.

• Reviewing team processes and workflows.

Share your plan with your team to create alignment and demonstrate your commitment to their success. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about working together to achieve shared goals.

Your first day as a leader is a pivotal moment. By prioritising visibility, connection, and clarity, you can establish a strong foundation for your leadership. Remember, leadership is a journey, not a destination. The actions you take on day one will set the tone for your entire tenure.

Take the time to listen, learn, and lead with intention. Your team is looking to you for guidance—show them that you’re ready to lead with confidence and care.