The shock of the new role and the change of pace
Starting a new role can be daunting. Will you have someone to help you transition, or will you be left to figure it out on your own? In my career, I’ve experienced both scenarios. Sometimes, I had support and guidance; other times, I faced a blank page with a mission to develop. Depending on your personality, these situations can be either a worry or an opportunity.
I am a high-energy leader who thrives on challenges, discussions, debates, and collaborative projects to stay engaged with constant requests and emergencies. Some of my new roles have been strategic, requiring me to take the time to listen, structure an approach, and invest in exploring and evaluating options. I have lived this duality; my « make it happen » attitude and intense need for action make me very comfortable in high-pressure, demanding environments, even when my creativity requires time and calmness. As I have aged, I have learned to appreciate the time to start from a blank page and explore new territories and approaches without the constant pressure of running a large organization.
Introspection
Not everyone feels the same way. Your new role might come with uncertainties: you have no network, doubts about your competence, and questions about how to structure your day. These questions can be overwhelming, but remember, you were chosen for this role because you are competent and capable. Take it one step at a time, enjoy the discovery phase, and embrace the change.
During these periods, you may find yourself doubting, questioning your abilities and even your interest in the role. On top of that, you need to build a new network of relationships, understand people, how they operate, how they interact, an enormous amount of information to absorb.
Adaptation
So take it one day at a time, one step at a time, one learning at a time. And you will make mistakes, because you’re learning. Don’t let doubts take over or overwhelm you with questions. Above all, take pleasure each day in noticing what you’ve accomplished, rather than what still remains to be done.
To succeed in this transition, trust yourself. Build an agenda, ask your leader about their expectations, and develop your network.
Building your new momentum
In the first months, focus on growing your network. Meet people, take notes, and ask for recommendations on who else to meet. Be candid about your approach and goals. People are most of the time willing to help and share their knowledge.
Create a map of what you need to explore and keep in contact with your network. Share your progress and involve them in your journey. Reading books related to your new role can provide valuable insights and knowledge.
Acknowledge your accomplishments and celebrate your progress each evening. If you struggle with an empty agenda or too many tasks, try timeboxing to structure your day and give you a sense of accomplishment.
Embrace the new role by changing your perspective. If your new role is at the same place, park your car in a different spot, start your day at a different time, and create a new dynamic. This will help you adapt to your new role and meet new people.
Remember, you have control over your future. Embrace the change, trust yourself, and take it one step at a time.
Question: How do you celebrate your accomplishments and maintain motivation during a career transition?
Reading that may help: The First 90 Days, Updated and Expanded: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter by Michael D. Watkins.
You can read an efficient summary of this book on this blog : The First 90 Days – Summary & Tips for (New) Leaders | Runn
r discover others?
🛠️ Three simple actions to value diversity within a group
Take the time to observe and accept the change in pace
Acknowledge that moving from an intense environment to a blank page can feel destabilizing.
Give yourself a few days to observe your new context, understand its tempo, and accept that your previous way of operating won’t apply immediately here.
Actively build your network from the very first weeks
Schedule meetings, ask questions, take notes.
Each person you meet helps you understand the culture, interactions, priorities, and unspoken rules.
Your network becomes your integration accelerator.
Structure your daily routine with simple, measurable goals
If your calendar is empty, create exploration blocks.
If your calendar is overflowing, define explicit success criteria for each task.
At the end of each day, note one progress — even a tiny one — to reinforce your sense of moving forward.
👉 These three simple actions strengthen your leadership posture and unlock your potential.
Coaching or Mentoring: Your Choice, Your Growth
I’m Franck Dervault, drawing on years of professional experience and now advancing toward certification as a coach. I offer two distinct paths:
- Coaching to help you unlock your own potential through reflection, presence, and guided discovery.
- Mentoring to share lessons, strategies, and insights from my career so you can navigate challenges with confidence.
Whichever path you choose, my goal is the same: to help you realize that you are wiser than you think, with immense potential waiting to be unlocked.
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