5 ways to make a smooth transition to a new role

Every transition brings with it a bit of uncertainty, but you can minimise the anxiety involved in the process by staying positive and focused on the task at hand.

The Economic Times finds out five ways to ensure your transition into a new role within an organisation is as smooth as possible.

1. Be well informed
Try to get as much information about the new role as possible.“It is okay to take some time to understand the expectations from the role. If possible, take an opportunity to speak to the incumbent to know the task and challenges of the role,“ said Neville Savio Kujur, HR head, Wildcraft.

2. Warm up your mind and heart
Transitioning to a new role with new requirements is often like donning a new attire. While it is exciting, it can also be a bit unnerving until you step into a comfort zone. “It is important to understand what the new role entails and how that is different from what you already know.Approach the role with positivity and can-do spirit,“ said R AnandaKrishnan, senior vice president-HR and IT at TVS Motor Company.

3. Set short-term goals for you
Set short-term goals for yourself or have your manager set them for you. It will help gain some early wins and get you the necessary confidence on capabilities. It will also help get you acquainted with the team and give you a better understanding of their style of work. Encourage them to learn about the new role through active participation and involvement with the team and the leader, said Kujur.

4. Talk to seniors you look up to
Once you have been handed the baton, take charge from the beginning. To do this, you may have to reach out to experts or seniors who can add value to your sphere of work. “They need not be your peers but experts from different fields as well. Every industry or domain has best practices which can be customised and applied to your business or area of work,“ said AnandaKrishnan.

5. Be mindful of what is expected
Be clear about what the expectations are in the first place. Once you know this, you can build your confidence through some quick wins and work towards the larger goals. This can be achieved through co-creation since each person in your team adds value to every task that you deliver, said AnandaKrishnan.