| 3 |  | Neither option is universally easier; the choice between taking over an existing team or building a new one presents its own set of challenges and advantages. Taking over an existing team requires navigating established dynamics, culture, and potential resistance from members who wanted the role, while building a new team allows you to select skills and build a culture from the ground up, but all initial performance pressure is on you. A new leader's success depends on their ability to adapt their approach to the specific situation, whether it's learning a new team's history or setting new expectations and team norms.
Taking over an existing team
Challenges:
Established dynamics: You must learn and adapt to existing relationships, work styles, and team culture.
Resistance: Some team members may have wanted the position themselves, leading to potential friction.
Unintended baggage: The team might have established processes or "baggage" that needs to be addressed.
Advantages:
Existing knowledge: The team has a history, which can provide valuable context if you take the time to learn it.
Experienced members: You can leverage the skills and experience already present within the team.
Building a totally new team
Challenges:
Performance pressure: You are solely responsible for the initial performance of the team, as you are building it from scratch.
Hiring and onboarding: The entire process of hiring, training, and onboarding is on you.
Advantages:
Control over skills: You can select individuals whose skills best fit your vision for the team.
Culture creation: You have the opportunity to build a positive team culture from the beginning, without any pre-existing negative patterns.
Key takeaway
Ultimately, the "easier" option depends on the individual leader's strengths and weaknesses. Both scenarios require the same core leadership skills: strong communication, trust-building, and a focus on individual and team development. The critical factor is your ability to identify the unique challenges and opportunities presented by each situation and adapt your leadership style accordingly. | 2025-11-02 11:15:22 |