- 93% admit managers influence their job satisfaction ‘a great deal’
- Just 2% say their manager doesn’t impact their happiness at work
- 40% of people said building relationships is priority in a new leadership role
- 45% say empathy and emotional intelligence is what makes a good leader
- Research shows the first 90 days in a senior leadership role determines your success
- Experts reveal how to succeed in a leadership role
- New prestigious event aims to celebrate New Zealand’s leaders.
New research has revealed that 93% of employees admit their manager contributes a great deal to their happiness at work. With only 2% stating their manager doesn’t contribute to their job satisfaction at all. Starting a new job can be a daunting time, but entering a new workplace in a senior leadership position comes with even more pressures and stresses.
Shay Peters, CEO at Robert Walters Australia and New Zealand said, “Throughout our experience in recruiting senior candidates, one prevailing theme emerges: the perceived pressure upon entering a business as a senior professional. While entry-level candidates may not face the same level of complexity during their transitions.”
Further research by the recruitment experts revealed which aspects make a good leader. 45% of professionals stated empathy and emotional intelligence as the main characteristic of a good leader. 30% of people said the most important characteristic of a good leader is being inspirational and motivational, with a further 23% saying strong communication is the main characteristic.
Research has shown that the first 90 days in a senior leadership position can significantly impact your long-term success. So how do you prepare for those imperative first 90 days? The experts at Robert Walters have shared the top 3 things you need to do to make those first three months count.
Focus on building relationships
According to a recent poll by Robert Walters, 40% of people said building relationships is the key thing they focus on when trying to establish credibility in a senior role. Building strong and positive relationships with your team is crucial for your success as a leader. The first 90 days are imperative to building your relationship with your team.
Peters said, “make sure your first team meeting is not all business, it’s an opportunity to showcase your leadership style and build a positive first impression with your team. You should put relationships before tasks in the first 90 days as a senior leader. You’ll need to learn how to effectively engage with team members, understand their strengths and aspirations, and create an environment that promotes teamwork and high performance before you can expect to succeed. Business is always personal, invest in relationships early on to help build future success.”
Establish credibility
Building credibility is essential for gaining the trust and respect of your team. One of the biggest challenges you may face when starting a new senior leadership role is building credibility with a new team and business.
Peters added, “Although it may be a challenging task, ensuring you build credibility within the first 90 days of your new role will help build trust with your team and enable you to be seen as a vital asset to the business from the get-go. By establishing credibility, you’ll create a positive and motivating work environment that encourages high performance and loyalty.”
Action your 90-day plan
The recruitment specialists emphasise the importance of developing a 90 day plan. Highlighting the importance of the first 90 days in a senior role, Peters explains, “Creating a well-structured 90-day plan is key to accomplishing your goals. Break down your plan into small and manageable parts, setting clear objectives, and taking focused action. By effectively prioritising tasks, leveraging resources, and monitoring progress, you’ll ensure that you stay on track and achieve the desired outcomes within the designated timeframe.”
Celebrate your leaders
Recognising the pressures that come with being a successful leader, Robert Walters have created the inaugural New Zealand Leadership Awards.
Peters said, “At Robert Walters, we understand the immense pressures that accompany the role of a successful leader. That’s why we’re proud to present the prestigious New Zealand Leadership Awards, an initiative born out of our unwavering commitment to recognising and honouring individuals who have made a profound impact within their organisations. Despite facing various challenges, these remarkable individuals have driven growth and instigated positive change.”
The inaugural New Zealand Leadership Awards is an initiative designed to acknowledge and celebrate exceptional leadership across the country. The event comprises an esteemed judging panel of outstanding business leaders, with a total of 12 categories available.
Peters added, “We aim to showcase both established leaders and emerging talents who have demonstrated outstanding achievements. In an ever-evolving landscape, where the notion of leadership has been tested and transformed, numerous New Zealanders have achieved remarkable success within their organisations.”
Entries are now open for the New Zealand Leadership Awards, with the awards ceremony set to take place on 15th August 2024.
Urging people to nominate someone they think deserves recognition, Peters said, “We firmly believe in the significance of having exceptional leaders in your business, and it is our mission to illuminate the outstanding contributions they make.”
Nominate an exceptional leader in New Zealand by using the form here. This is your last chance to nominate someone as entries close 24th May 2024: https://www.robertwalters.co.nz/microsites/new-zealand-leadership-awards.html
About Robert Walters
Robert Walters is one of the world’s leading specialist professional recruitment consultancies with a global presence spanning 31 countries. The New Zealand business recruits across the fields of accounting & finance, property, general management, human resources, information technology, legal, risk management, compliance & audit, sales, marketing & communications, secretarial & business support and supply chain & procurement.
