Leadership Tip

How to lead a team you inherit

Taking over a team you didn’t build is like stepping onto a moving train - you’re expected to steer without derailing it. Move too fast and you’ll break trust; move too slow and opportunities pass you by. Smart leaders balance curiosity with action, earning early allies while avoiding early mistakes. Here’s how:

  1. Lead with curiosity, not conclusions. The instinct to “fix” things immediately is strong, but early judgments often miss hidden strengths. Spend your first weeks listening, observing, and asking thoughtful questions. Watch for subtle dynamics—who influences decisions, who quietly gets things done, and where untapped talent might lie.
     
  2. Assess talent objectively. Gut feelings are rarely enough. Ground your evaluation in data: past performance reviews, survey results, stakeholder feedback, and team outputs. This approach keeps bias in check, builds credibility, and ensures that when you do make changes, they’re based on evidence - not assumption.
     
  3. Invest in trust early. Even if you plan big changes, your first task is creating psychological safety. Share your expectations clearly, explain how decisions will be made, and give people meaningful opportunities to contribute. Respect and transparency now will pay dividends when the time comes to adjust roles or strategy.
     
  4. Balance preservation and transformation. Not everything needs an overhaul. Sudden changes can rattle confidence, erase institutional memory, and make you look reckless. Instead, honour the strengths that already exist while carefully introducing new ideas. Sustainable change is built on the foundation of what’s working today.
     
  5. Blend fresh eyes with continuity. Your perspective is new, but don’t underestimate the value of long-standing team members. Before you decide anyone’s future, consider who can adapt, who’s holding the team together quietly, and who might thrive with the right support. Often, your best breakthroughs come from those who already know the terrain.

The above leadership tip...
was sent in response to a question from a participant on our acclaimed 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme. Whether you're a first time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you, your team or your organisation can benefit, please contact us.


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