Reference no: EM132330715

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.  

Does this list of "sociopolitical" skill categories match your sense of what is most required to help ensure a leader's early success in a new role/position? What might you add or subtract to help ensure the most effective transition into a new job?