New manager in a different field of management (construction

[jchaillier]

Hi everyone,

I've been listening/watching Jocko and Echo for about awhile now and figured this was the best place to get advice. I'm a 29 year old construction manager and switching jobs into a different type of construction than what I'm used to and a higher position. I've gone from a project manager focusing on one project at a time to a division manager for civil construction. The company that hired me and I are both excited to be working with each other. I want to do my best to start off strong for these guys. The compensation and vacations are much better and I'll have the freedom to "do what I need to succeed" as it was explained.

I'd like to know if anyone has had similar experience and what they learned along the way. I haven't been this motivated for work in quite awhile, but worried that some of the lessons learned won't translate and I don't want to let anyone down.

Thanks!

[mynewunit]

Taking a leadership position in a new organization. This is a great opportunity and good question.
I like to have the individual team members tell me what they do and what everyone else around them. It looks a lot like sitting behind someone and ask them to keep doing their job while you ask questions and let them tell you what and why. It can take a few minutes or an entire day. I then compare notes on what people say they do with what their team members say. Then compare those notes to observations. This is a Col. Hackworth trick.
Second, this helps you learn about your team. Who they are? How long they have been there? What they want to learn more about? Are they excited about you being there? What they liked about the guy you are replacing? What they didn't like about the guy you are replacing?
This should be up and down the chain of command. Learn how they make money. What are the concerns? What is the process that needs to get better? What is the supplier that needs to be replaced? Why are they better than the firm down the street.
I always recommend that you find an NCO. The NCO is the non-commissioned officer. In private industry, it is the guy who has learned from years of experience, doesn't have a flashy college degree, and isn't trying to be the boss, climb to the top or strike out on his own. This is the guy who will be a great person to bounce ideas off of. Ask if they have tried things in the past, where problems are, who needs to be watched, etc.
To take care of your team you need to do 2 things. 1. Build relationships - You need to be a person talking to a person. Take care of your people. 2. Do Hard Things Together - Teams grow when they are stressed together. It helps them see failure, test their limits, and grow stronger.