LEKSHMI NAIR
CHANGING THE ‘CHANGE’ JOURNEY by Lekshmi Nair, Managing Principal, APAC, Synopsys Software Integrity Solutions
A few days ago I got a ping from a dear old colleague
• Did you ever feel like going back?
of mine. She wanted my advice on how to settle into
• How did you get over it?
a new role in the organisation she had joined a few months earlier. During our hour-long conversation I
I admit, it was not an easy journey from a well-
realised I had been in a similar situation not so long
established role in an organisation where I was well
ago. We spoke about several issues.
known to a role in a new organisation where I was unknown. Here are some of my experiences of what
I had been a star performer in my previous
worked and what did not.
organisation. My views were heard and valued. No one in my new organisation was willing to listen to me. How could I be heard?
1. S OMETHING IS WORKING HERE, GET HOLD OF IT Know your organisation’s what, when, why and how.
• I could see several ways in which current systems could be improved, but when I made suggestions people, especially my peers, took these personally. How could I bring about change? • I was working across multiple different areas. How could I set priorities? • My team members were carrying a lot of baggage from their previous experience under their former leader. How could I build an environment conducive to growth?
a. What are the organisation’s core business, products and services? b. Who are the key stakeholders who will contribute to the success of your role: leaders, peers, team members, extended teams, support functions, etc? c. Who are your key internal and external customers, and their contacts? d. How is the work being performed?
Moving from my previous organisation after 15 years
2. GAIN THE CONFIDENCE OF YOUR MANAGER
I heard several questions from well-wishers that were
Know your goals, boundaries and objectives. Align
very pertinent to my new situation.
with your manager on short term and long term goals. For the first six months at least schedule
50
• It must have been a very difficult decision for you.
regular one-on-ones with your manager. Work on 90
• How did you adjust to your new environment?
day and 180 day plans and track progress. Build a
W O M E N I N S E C U R I T Y M A G A Z I N E
N O V E M B E R • D E C E M B E R 2022
