Michael Watkins, Author Of The First 90 Days, On Leadership Transitions And Strategic Thinking
Jun 11, 2024
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Michael Watkins, author of The First 90 Days, discusses leadership transitions and strategic thinking with Robert Glazer. They explore successful transitions, challenges in change management, building effective teams, and developing strategic thinking skills. Watkins shares insights on personal and professional transitions, the dynamics of strategic thinking, and the importance of good judgment and self-awareness in leadership roles.
Leadership transitions require aligning leaders with the desired culture shift.
Early childhood transitions can influence adaptability and focus on leadership changes.
Strategic thinking is vital for navigating complexity and uncertainty in business.
Deep dives
Leadership and Culture Change
Changing organizational culture often necessitates changing leadership. The importance of aligning leaders with the desired culture shift is emphasized. Building a culture starts with leadership reflecting the values that shape the organization. The need to modify leadership sometimes emerges when leaders resist cultural change or do not embody the desired values.
Early Life Reflecting Career Trajectory
Michael Watkins discusses his upbringing in a small town and the frequent relocations he experienced during childhood. The impact of these transitions on his adaptability and early development is highlighted, linking to his later work on leadership transitions. The challenges of adapting to new environments and building alliances during childhood transitions laid the groundwork for his focus on strategic thinking and leadership changes in his career.
Transitioning and Strategic Thinking
The podcast delves into the complexities of leadership transitions and the importance of having a structured approach to onboarding and integrating new leaders. Watkins emphasizes the need for leaders to listen, learn, and connect during the initial phases of a transition. By focusing on building relationships, assessing teams, and understanding the organizational context, leaders can navigate transitions effectively and set the stage for successful change management initiatives.
Importance of Strategic Thinking in Today's Turbulent Environment
Strategic thinking has become crucial in the current turbulent business landscape characterized by uncertainty and complexity. Recognizing emerging threats, setting priorities, and mobilizing the organization to respond are key components of strategic thinking. In a world where immediate results and short-term focus prevail, engaging in rigorous strategic thinking is essential for long-term success and avoiding potential pitfalls.
Development of Strategic Thinking Skills and Organizational Strategy
Developing strategic thinking skills is a mix of inherent capability and deliberate effort, according to the podcast. While some individuals may naturally excel at strategic thinking, others can enhance these skills through training and practice. Encouraging strategic thinking as a team effort within an organization is emphasized, promoting alignment, structured problem-solving, and clear communication of vision. Rewards for individuals who demonstrate strategic acumen and the importance of judgment and self-awareness in decision-making processes are highlighted as critical aspects of fostering strategic thinking in both individuals and teams.
Michael Watkins wrote the book on leadership transitions. He is a professor of leadership and organizational change at the IMD Business School and a cofounder of Genesis Advisers. He is the author of 16 books, including The First 90 Days, an international bestseller which the Economist called “the onboarding bible.” He is an inductee of the Thinkers50 Hall of Fame and just published a new book, The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking.
Michael Watkins joined Robert Glazer on the Elevate Podcast to talk about perfecting leadership transitions, mastering strategic thinking, and much more.