5 questions every senior leader should ask before accepting a bigger role
As a senior leader, you may accept a bigger, higher role believing you understand it.
Research shows that among leaders promoted internally, that understanding erodes sharply within the first six months.
You assume you know the job because you know the company. Your boss assumes the same, and explains less. Neither of you has the conversation.
Proactively asking the right questions before you sign up can help you lead with clarity.
Here are 5 questions to ask before accepting a bigger role:
What is the opportunity/problem here and what is expected to change? Vague answers to this question will mean you have to flesh out the mandate or create one for yourself.
How will my success be measured, and over what period? If the measures of success are qualitative, you know you have to define them yourself.
What decisions can I make without asking? This is where rubber hits the road and will define your authority limits.
Who has to back this for it to work, and where will the resistance come from? This will give you a reality check.
What would make this role impossible, and does it exist today? If the role existed before, ask what the previous person struggled with. This will give you an idea of what will not work.
Evaluate the conditions, not just the opportunity.
