After the initial acclamation to your new position, you will definitely need to uphold and start new routines.  Once you have had the chance to get to know the business, employees, and observe what works and what does not, you will want to make some changes, too.

Here are a few more tips to make changes and set routines effortlessly and with little resistance.

1.  Meet with your support managers.  Discuss your observations with your subordinates before you start listing demands.  You probably have a smart, experienced staff that may want the same changes that you do.  Let them suggest it and empower them!  It will build trust and help unite the team!

2.  Accept that some people will quit.  Be prepared for this.  Not everyone is willing to embrace the impending changes.  Do not try to convince them to stay because you are worried that you will not have enough employees.  Let them leave and develop those who are willing to give you a chance.

3.  Start hiring immediately.  Even though you may be overwhelmed, if someone walks up to you and asks for an application, take a minute and talk to them!  Each week, set aside small blocks of time for recruiting, interviews, or orientations.  The new employees you hire will most likely become your all-star team!

4.  Address personnel issues.  Complete overdue coaching and any other HR documentation as soon as possible.  After you have met with the staff initially, you can follow up with any outstanding behavior or attendance issues.  Take care of these within your first 30 days to ensure important documentation is not forgotten.

5.  Create a contest!  Or create some kind of reward system.  Yes, you are busy and this may seem like one more thing to add to your To-Do list.  But it will build morale and lift spirits.  Try to create something with an instant reward that will also impact your sales.  Do not be surprised if not everyone embraces it.  But those who are dedicated to their position and the organization will try to impress you!

You will definitely make mistakes in your first few months in your new position.  But these tips, as well as the tips in my last blog, should help make your transition less hectic and more manageable.  Just remember that you were hired for this position for a reason!  Good luck!  You can do it!