Big Shoes to Fill: Stepping into a Leadership Role...Without Stepping in It

by Gavin Adams

Starting something is challenging. Think of it like building a plane over time and eventually testing it out when it's ready and you're ready. On the other hand, taking over something can feel impossible. Stepping into an organization feels more like jumping into a moving plane full of people and keeping it aloft while trying to improve the aircraft, maintain direction, and get to know your new co-pilots! The reality is that most of us inherit something, not start Teams, culture, processes, or perhaps entire organizations. As a long career with a single organization is increasingly a thing of the past, learning to step into a new leadership role is essential to leading well. Big Shoes to Fill helps

Genres: Leadership, Nonfiction

272 pages, Hardcover

Published January 16, 2024

Reviews

[Chantel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I count this one among the top nonfiction works I've read this year. This one specifically addresses reducing the time it takes for you to transition from positional authority to relational influence. The book includes interviews and advice from a number of seasoned business executives from a diverse array of disciplines and business models. The book should be on the shelf of any business executive, church leader, recruiting officer, human resources staff, and new graduate.

The book's many renowned contributors include admonitions to engage in listening tours, to remember that what you do in the first three months determines where you'll end up in three years, to pay attention to what the staff members closest to your customers have to say, and to work hard to understand both the process of business and the clients you serve. The book is a compilation of lived experience and practical strategy, with the author and a dozen or so successful executives saying, "This is what we learned, and I hope you find this content helpful, too." Its strength is the humble way that the author honors those that came both before and after him. Each chapter includes gems of wisdom, not only for the business executive, but also for the leader who finds himself/herself stepping into any new or unfamiliar role. The big take away--transition is challenging, but understanding the process is empowering. Even more important is understanding that the organization's mission is the benchmark for success. A little patience coupled with incremental changes can reap big dividends. Above all, stay curious and focus on what matters.

What you'll learn:

--How to identify growth lids

--How to honor the previous leader

--How to navigate organizational tensions

--How to build a solid team

--How to execute incremental changes for lasting legacy

--How to transition the leader who comes after you

The book is well researched. The author has experience in both the marketplace and ministry, having worked for both a worldwide consulting firm as well as led several businesses of his own. And while some may be tempted to be dismissive of the author's ministry experience, it's important to note that churches are notorious magnets for broken people. Leading both a team and a congregation brings unique challenges. Understanding where people are along the transformation journey is key, and all the steps are fleshed out and explained in easy-to-understand words and graphs, including helpful appendices at the end (these resources alone are worth the price of the book!) This book has practical, tactical advice for engaging your team, fostering culture, building trust, growing your business and ultimately enjoying PURPOSEFUL PROGRESS.

[Tyler Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, this book might be common sense for a lot of people, and I’m sure most of this advice is also found another leadership/transition books… But as I moved into my new role, this book was unbelievably helpful in how to care for a new team and how to view changes I want/need to make from multiple perspectives.

If you can, read this book as soon as you know about a new role. Or if you’re in a role that’s somewhat new, read it as a way to take a “restart” if things didn’t go as smoothly as you hoped.