The listening tour is what I love most while taking on a new role. I’m a social person and I love meeting people. What better than getting to know the people you are going to work closely with? I typically have a ledger that I carry with me into these 1:1 conversations with my cross functional team members and take notes diligently. This also helps me to organize those into themes. Towards the end of my 30-60-90 day ramp up, I do a share out of my perspective on what works, what doesnt and where we could do better.
Here is how my 1:1 conversations during the listening tour are structured -
- Introducing myself and getting to know them as an individual - How long have been here at the company? Where did they work prior? If they are comfortable, getting to know where they live, their family and what they enjoy doing in their personal life etc
- What is working well (product, team)?
- What is not working well (product, team)?
- Where can I and my team help the most?
- What is the best way to partner with your function and vice versa?