Stepping into a new leadership role can feel like landing on an alien planet. You’re dealing with new rules, new people, and tons of requests that all seem to expect you to have a magic crystal ball. They want an answer now, but you’re still trying to figure out what the question is. It’s rough, I know.
So, what do you do? Here’s a handy tool I call VIACAS. This isn’t some high-falutin business jargon—it’s a practical, down-to-earth tool to help you navigate those seemingly unreasonable requests you get during your rocky first months. Let’s break it down:
- Validate (V): Start with showing the person that you get where they’re coming from. Say something like, “I see you’re in a tight spot and need information from me for your stakeholders.” It’s about showing empathy.
- Intention (I): Then, let them know you’re on their side. You might say, “I’m here to help. I’m doing my best, you have my word.” This step is all about reassuring them. Without it, they might feel like they need to put more pressure on you to make sure you understand the urgency of the situation–and you don’t want or need that.
- Acquaint (A): Next, clue them in on your situation. No need for a sob story, but a little honesty can help them see your side of things. Try something like, “I understand I started a few months ago, but the truth is I’m still learning the ropes. I only just found out about your event.”
- Clarify (C): Find out what the bare minimum they need from you is. It’s like asking, “What’s the one small thing you need from me right now that would help the most? I’ll make a note for next time, too, so I can be better prepared.”
- Accommodate (A): After you understand their main needs, tell them what you can do. Be upfront about what you can and will do, like, “I see you need program dates and a summary. I might not manage the summary this year, but I’ll talk to my boss and try to get those dates for you.”
- Self-care (S): Finally, don’t forget about you. You’re no use to anyone if you’re burnt out. So, keep breathing, have a nice hot shower, listen to some tunes, or take a walk. You’re allowed to take care of you, even when things are hectic.
Bottom line, VIACAS is your lifeboat in stormy seas, a toolkit for those tricky early days in leadership. Remember, being a leader is a journey, not a sprint. So keep it real, keep it straightforward, and take care of you.
