New job expectations

[ikno]

I’m starting a new role on promotion but have a bit of imposter syndrome. It’s a civil service (SEO) manager role. In my previous job as a manager of a lower grade, I led the team I was already deputising for so no formal induction was required as I already knew everyone on my team and it was a natural transition.

in this new job, my team are based across the UK and none are in my area - so I will only get to know them virtually and am bricking it. I have no idea what to say to them when we have our first teams meeting, ie do I talk about my previous jobs and my experience? Do I tell them about my technical expertise and that I can help with tricky tasks? Do I use an ice breaker? Do I try and discuss 12 month plans? Do I make my expectations clear eg open door policy? Ideally I’d just want to stay quiet and just say hello and observe the dynamic. But I’m not sure if the expectation is that I do “more” as it’s a senior role.

It’s completely normal to feel that way when starting a new role.

Id keep it quiet brief when talking about yourself and instead focus on asking them questions. Maybe a round table of who everyone is, what they do, what’s their background etc. Ask if they have any frustrations with the current set up that you can support with and what they’d like from a manager moving forward

That’s great thanks

You'll be fine!

I would tell them briefly what you've done before, how much you're looking forward to working with them, then focus on asking them questions about themselves.

If you have relevant technical experience that will be good for them to know, if not I find it helpful to acknowledge it and that their expertise will be invaluable to you.

I like to follow up with 1-1 conversations asap to find out any worries, frustrations, ambitions etc.

My teams are spread all over the country, hardly any are co located. It's fine.

Don't do an ice breaker. Unless of course you want to be remembered as "oh god do you remember we had that team leader who made us do [insert terrible ice breaker] on her first day?'" 😆