Starting Strong: How to Make an Impact as a New Executive in a New Industry was originally published on Ivy Exec.
GE Capital’s head Bob Wright went on to helm NBC.
Daniel Akerson became the CEO of General Motors after spending much of his career in telecommunications.
These are just a few examples of executives who succeeded after changing industries. While some professionals might believe they have to take a step backward in their careers to change industries, these examples prove this isn’t the case.
In fact, some experts suggest that cross-industry executives are more successful than C-Suite professionals who have stayed in the same field throughout their careers. A landmark 1996 study in the Academy of Management Journal discovered that CEOs with moderate work experience in an industry were more effective with high levels of industry experience.
“A benefit of cross-industry [executives] is they often focus less on what the company does and more on people and structures. They will take a systematic view first, and market view second; this means they are often more curious and ask more questions because they don’t know the industry,” said Byron Hanson of the Curtain School of Business.
So, if you’re interested in becoming an executive in a new industry, you’re not alone. In fact, you may even be a sought-after candidate. But how can you make an impression in your first months on the job?
Identify your expertise – and prepare to capitalize on it.
When you’re starting out in a new field, you might think that you should wait for someone else to show you the ropes.
Maybe you think that they’ll suggest how your career should progress at the company or in the industry in general.
But this likely isn’t going to happen. You’ve changed industries for a reason, so before you start your first day at the new company, you want to decide what opportunities you’ll focus on and how you’ll present yourself.
“Life, admittedly, would be much simpler if we could just step into predetermined career paths. But these days, that’s generally not an option. We need to identify or create them – and pursue them aggressively. It may sound exhausting – like one more task we have to take on – but it’s also an opportunity to craft a career path that better reflects our own interests and talents,” said marketing strategist Dorie Clark.
Plan for Day One.
Once you land on a career trajectory and a specialization, your next step is to plan for how you’ll make a first impression at your new workplace.
Few new executives recognize how important it is to make a strong impression on your first day. Some think that all they need to do is make a few introductions, fill out some paperwork, and unpack their offices.
However, this passive attitude is a mistake, says leadership strategist George Bradt.
“What you say and do on Day One is going to inspire others, not with cheesy motivational tactics, but through meaningful words and actions that create excitement about the things to come. Do not underestimate Day One’s importance. Plan it with great care and make sure what you do and say communicates your message, exactly as you want it, to the people you most need to reach,” he said.
Spend time getting to know your new workplace before making changes.
When you’re a newly-hired executive, especially in a new field, you might feel like you have to prove yourself right out of the gate.
But making changes or proposals too quickly can make your colleagues feel like you’re being too hasty.
That’s because you are. How can you implement anything before you understand how your new company and new fieldwork?
That’s why you want to first get to know as many people as possible before asserting your ideas. The simplest way to do this is by setting up meetings with as many people as possible, including your colleagues, superiors, and cross-department contacts. The more diverse the perspectives you seek out, the better you’ll understand your new organization.
“A failure to meet and greet is a failure of leadership and authority in your new position. Secondly, avoid creating a small ‘clique’ that is inaccessible to the rest of the staff. The company is all the employees, not just the leadership team. Ignore that, and you exclude other incredibly valuable viewpoints,” suggests IESE Business School.
Create a mind map.
When you’re starting out at a new company in a new industry, you may become overwhelmed by the steep learning curve.
You have to think about the organization’s mission and goals, its culture, and its organizational structure.
So, IESE Business School recommends creating a mind map for organizing all of these component parts.
“At first, your mind map may be made up only of ideas regarding the initial landscape and actions to be performed upon arrival. However, this exercise is recommended to give rigor and discipline to the reflections that will soon be put into practice. Thinking of the goals you wish to achieve is a good way to begin taking office and preparing for the transition,” they say.
Becoming a Successful Executive in a New Industry
When you’re tapped to become an executive in a new industry, you may feel like you have to prove yourself right off the bat.
While it’s important to make a strong first impression, you actually want to spend your first few months meeting your colleagues, understanding company strategy, and outlining your leadership philosophy.
Especially if you’re entering a new field, you want to be cautious and considerate in your new job. Read more about the 30-60-90 rule, which helps you start a new job on the right foot.
