If you’ve been promoted or hired to manage a team you didn’t build, you may be stepping into uncertainty. Some team members might have wanted the role themselves. Others could be waiting to see how you lead before they’re bought in.
Leading an inherited team comes with challenges, but it also presents an opportunity to build trust, increase alignment and drive early results. Here are three essential strategies to help you lead an existing team:
1. Observe First, Then Take Action
Even if you were brought in to fix or improve a team, avoid the urge to make sweeping changes immediately. Start with 1:1 meetings with employees to understand the current landscape, and ask questions like:
- What’s working well today?
- Where do you see opportunities for improvement?
- What kind of support do you need?
- What do you value in a manager?
This shows that you respect their experience and helps you identify patterns in team culture, workload and collaboration. Document themes you hear but wait to act until you have multiple perspectives.
2. Communicate Vision and Expectations Clearly
Once you’ve listened and learned, begin laying the foundation for how the team will operate under your leadership. Clarify with the team:
- Your leadership style and communication preferences
- What your expectations are over the next 30, 60 and 90 days
- How you’ll measure team and individual success
- How decisions will be made and shared
Setting expectations early builds clarity and confidence, especially for team members who may be uncertain about the new structure.
3. Build Trust Through Consistent Action
Your title may say “manager,” but your team will be watching your actions before they are bought in. Focus on behaviors that build credibility:
- Follow through on promises and requests and if the request can’t be met at that time, explain why. It’s the follow up that is important.
- Recognize contributions publicly and privately
- Be transparent about decisions and changes
- Admit what you don’t know and ask for input
Taking over an existing team can feel like walking a tightrope, but with the right approach, it’s also a chance to set the tone for long-term success. These foundational steps not only help navigate initial uncertainty but also position you to unify the team and drive meaningful results.
As a new leader, if you are tasked to grow your team, we’d love to help! Click here to find out more.
