The HR Emotional Rollercoaster – “One Team, One Dream!”

Let's be real for a moment – taking over an existing team can be nerve-wracking! You're excited about the new opportunity, but there's also that nagging voice in your head asking, "What if they don't like me?" or "What if I can't turn this ship around?"

And oh boy, the personalities and problems you might inherit! There's:

- The office gossip 🗣️

- The resistant-to-change veteran🚫

- The underperformer 😴

- The overachiever⚡

- Existing interpersonal conflict🔥

Not to mention potential issues like low morale, outdated processes, or misalignment with company goals. It's enough to make you want to hide under your desk… twice!!

But here's the thing – every challenge is an opportunity in disguise. Your fresh perspective and leadership can be the catalyst for positive change. So, take a deep breath, and let's dive into some tips and tricks to build that "one team" concept and turn your inherited team into a powerhouse! 💪

Here are a few of my favs:

1. Assess without judging: Take time to understand your team's strengths and weaknesses.

2. Build trust: Show genuine interest in each team member's perspective and experiences.

3. Set clear expectations: Communicate your vision and goals transparently.

4. Celebrate small wins: Recognize progress to boost morale and motivation.

5. Be patient: Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither are high-performing teams!

Research backs this up! A study in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that new leaders who focus on relationship-building and clear communication in their first 90 days see significantly better team performance outcomes (Sauer & Deller, 2019).

“So Adrina, I have those down. How do I take it to the next level?”

Do:

1. Listen actively and empathetically

2. Leverage existing strengths

3. Provide upskilling opportunities

4. Promote transparent dialogue

5. Lead by example

Don't:

1. Make immediate changes

2. Compare to previous teams

3. Don't create an "us vs. them"

4. Avoid micromanaging

5. Ignore underlying team conflicts

After all of this, the best part is you’ll have amazing results:

- Increased productivity

- Higher employee satisfaction

- Improved problem-solving

- Better goal alignment

- A positive culture ripple effect

Remember, transforming an inherited team into a high-performing one takes time, patience, and consistent effort. What's your experience with inherited teams? Share below – let's learn from each other!