The Challenge of Being the New Leader
Stepping into a new leadership role can be both exhilarating and challenging, and many incoming leaders quickly discover just how tough the transition can be. The excitement of starting fresh often clashes with the reality of an organization resistant to change. Leaders might find themselves thinking, “These people really resist new ideas,” or “This place is incredibly slow to adopt new methods.” They might even question, “How does this place even function with so many outdated systems and procedures?” The learning curve can be steep, and the reality of the situation sets in swiftly.
Simultaneously, the initial excitement from the organization about the new leader can start to wane. The honeymoon phase often gives way to disillusionment as the leader faces the challenge of understanding and adapting to a new culture. The difficulty of this adjustment can vary significantly depending on whether the new leader is internal promotion or an external hire, or whether they are replacing a well-loved figure or someone who was less effective.
This session focuses on developing an effective onboarding process for new leaders in international schools, addressing these challenges and helping new managers navigate this crucial transition period.