Talk to the team. “You want to talk to people who you will be managing,†Ryan asserts. “You want to find out what their strengths and weaknesses are, but most importantly you should try and determine whether your management style is suited. Is there something about the previous manager that precluded them from doing their best possible job?â€
Determine if you’ll be supported. You want to make sure you can make decisions that will be welcome and respected by management–even if they don’t always agree. “[They have to] allow you the authority to shape the team and set objectives that you think are stepping-stones to getting to the bigger objective. It’s very important to not just do a job, but to put your own signature on it. If they’re going to manage you to a point where you feel like you don’t have the necessary autonomy to make the necessary changes, chances are not only will you not be successful, it’s probably why the last guy wasn’t, either.â€