The Biggest Mistakes New Executives Make

Within the first 18 months, there’s a 50% chance a new executive will leave the organization. While some cite poor cultural fit, inadequate onboarding, or the lack of appropriate expectations as the cause, in reality, many new executives inadvertently set themselves up for failure within the first few months of their tenure by falling into common traps:

1. Propose a new vision for the organization immediately. Before you launch into new ideas, take the time to absorb the landscape first.
2. Make too many big decisions too quickly. Just as you should wait to implement a new vision, hold off making long-term decisions until you know more.
3. Tell people how you did things better in your previous organizations. Learn more about the organization and how it’s different before you offer suggestions or criticism.
4. Prioritize external relationships over internal ones. Form critical internal connections to better understand what you’re representing.
5. Go it alone. To increase your chance of success in your first quarter, create a support team to help you learn about the organization and its culture.

Acknowledging and taking steps to avoid these traps are imperative to your success as a new executive.