“Come in as the Chief Listener, connect with the teams, and understand what is going on.” - Hans Lagerweij 

Leadership isn’t about walking through the door with all the answers.

It’s about walking in with the right questions and a willingness to truly listen.

When stepping into a new role, especially as a leader, your first priority should be to understand the people, the culture, and the challenges on the ground. 

It requires humility, curiosity, and empathy.

This mindset is critical, not just for building trust but for laying the foundation of any meaningful change.

At the same time, it's essential to think strategically. 

Yes, you need a long-term vision, but the vision alone isn't enough. 

People want to see progress. They want to know you're not just planning, but also delivering.

It’s where short-term wins come in.

Quick, tangible results show your team, your stakeholders, and anyone else watching you’re not only listening, you’re acting. 

These early milestones create momentum, build credibility, and foster buy-in for the bigger picture.

The key is finding the right balance between listening and leading, between long-term thinking and short-term execution.

The balance is what sets effective leaders apart.