Congratulations! You’ve just been appointed CEO—whether it’s your first time in the role or you’re an experienced leader stepping into a new domain, the first few days are critical. This isn’t just about making a good impression; it’s about setting the stage for your leadership and the future success of your team.
To thrive in your role and truly support your team, here are three essential moves to make during your first week:
1. Achieve Absolute Clarity from Day One
You might have the title, but do you have absolute clarity on your mission? One of the biggest mistakes new CEOs make is assuming they know exactly what’s expected without fully understanding the scope of their responsibilities. This is a recipe for confusion and conflict.
Start by having a direct, in-depth conversation with the person or people you report to. Your goal is to understand your remit in detail—what are your core responsibilities? What are the desired outcomes, and within what timeframes? What does good performance look like, and what does poor performance look like? Get clarity on the current organisational culture and any changes that are expected.
Knowing this will empower you with the confidence to make decisions, prioritise effectively, and set a clear vision for your team. Remember, clarity breeds confidence—and confidence is contagious.
2. Set the Tone with Your Team
Your first team meeting is more than just a meet-and-greet—it’s your opportunity to set the tone for your leadership. Call a group meeting early on, but keep it concise and focused. Use this moment to introduce yourself and share your core values and leadership style.
This isn’t the time for diving into details or outlining specific strategies; it’s about creating a positive first impression and building trust. Show your team who you are and what you stand for. Your values will be the foundation of the culture you cultivate moving forward. This first encounter should leave your team feeling energised and optimistic about the journey ahead.
3. Listen Like Your Success Depends on It (Because It Does!)
The most valuable tool in your first days as CEO isn’t a strategy document or an org chart—it’s your ability to listen. Schedule one-on-one meetings with each team member or as many as practically possible. Approach these meetings with genuine curiosity and a desire to understand.
Ask questions like: Where have you come from, and where do you want to go? What challenges do you see, and what opportunities excite you? What advice would you give to someone stepping into my role?
These conversations are pure gold. During my time as a CEO, and especially when I parachuted in as an interim leader, these early meetings provided a far more accurate ‘temperature check’ of the team and organisation than any report ever could. They reveal unfiltered insights into the organisation’s health, challenges, and the team’s morale. More importantly, they build a bridge of trust and open communication, which will be invaluable as you lead forward.
Bonus Tip: Be Visible and Approachable
Don’t retreat to your office or bury yourself in reports during your first week. Make yourself visible. Walk around, engage in informal conversations, and let your team see you in action. Your presence can be reassuring, especially in times of change. It also gives you a chance to observe the organisation’s dynamics firsthand.
Next steps
These steps are just the beginning, but they can set a strong foundation for your success as a new CEO.
If you have questions or need more tailored advice, I’m here to help.
Share your thoughts or reach out to me directly at paul@paullyons.com
