Getting Settled

  Getting Settled
Assume you made the decision to change, meaning you were hired into
a new company or were transferred from one group to another within
the company you are in. For whatever reason, your situation today is
not what it was yesterday. This means you have to make a change in
yourself. You must be in charge and must show your leadership style
from the very outset.
To start, get a sense of the big picture, the lay of the land. First,
you should fully understand the organization—this means the company
organization and the project organization. The best way I know to get
an overview of the formal organization is to ask for an organization
chart. Then, you need to understand your bosses. Do your homework
and find out just what kind of people they are. What are their likes and
dislikes? What are their other personal traits? Only when you know all
these things can you approach your boss with an issue and get something
done. Next comes the power structure. Who drives the organization?
Sometimes the answer to this question is surprising. Next make
friends and alliances—you need them in order to get your job done.
Finally, you are ready to take over the project you will lead. How do
you do that to ensure you are leading the project to success from the
very first moment? This chapter tells you how and makes some real
suggestions to get the job done.