BIRAN YILANCIOGLU

Coaching Leaders Through Role Transitions is a practical, evidence-based coaching tool designed to support leaders through one of the most high-stakes periods of their career: the transition into a new role. Based on research, psychological transition theory, and proven 90-day integration strategies, this downloadable resource gives coaches, consultants, and people-leaders a structured way to guide leaders through the first critical months.

Transitions are psychologically demanding. Studies show that over 40% of leaders underperform in their first 18 months, and their teams follow suit, sometimes underperforming by as much as 18%. With up to 6% of an organisation in transition at any given time, the ripple effect is significant. This tool helps you intervene early, reduce disruption, and accelerate performance.

This resource walks leaders through the full arc of William Bridges’ transition model, the realities of senior role onboarding, and the essential components of Michael Watkins’ First 90 Days®. It is designed to work seamlessly in coaching sessions, leadership development programmes, or internal onboarding frameworks. Each section includes targeted reflective questions, conversation prompts, and strategic planning areas that help leaders build confidence, understand expectations, and secure early wins.

What’s Inside

This tool provides a step-by-step structure covering the most crucial domains of a successful transition, including:

• Letting go of the previous role: Explore identity shifts, loss of confidence, and what must be released to step into the new position fully.

• Learning quickly: Create a practical learning agenda that spans political, cultural, structural, and technical aspects of the new environment.

• Understanding the business: Identify whether the role is about turnaround, innovation, or sustaining success, and assess the implications.

• Securing early wins: Prioritise early performance goals, stakeholder engagement, and key messages to build momentum fast.

• Building a strong relationship with the line manager: Set clear expectations and communication rhythms to avoid misalignment.

• Strengthening the team: Evaluate team performance, define roles, and establish operating norms.

• Creating a strong support network: Map influence networks, supporters, detractors, and critical stakeholders.

• Maintaining balance and resilience: Explore practical strategies for sustaining energy, managing home-life dynamics, and supporting wellbeing throughout transition.

Each section includes practical, coach-ready questions so you can run a powerful session without additional preparation.

Who This Tool Is For

This tool is ideal for:

• Executive and leadership coaches

• Internal HR and L&D professionals

• Leadership programme designers

• Consultants working with senior leaders

• Organisations preparing new leaders for role onboarding

Whether your client is stepping into their first leadership role or moving into a senior executive position, this structured guide helps them clarify priorities, reduce uncertainty, and accelerate impact.

Why It Works

Leadership transitions fail not because leaders lack capability, but because they don’t have the structure, clarity, or support to navigate the psychological shift required. This tool blends research-based insight with practical coaching exercises to create momentum, reduce ambiguity and set the leader up for success from day one.

It is intentionally simple, direct, and adaptable — giving coaches and leaders a roadmap that works in real life, not just in theory.

Format

• Digital PDF (instant download)

• 8 sections, reflective prompts, structured planning questions

• Ready to use in coaching sessions, onboarding, or leadership development

Equip your clients to lead with confidence, clarity and impact from the very beginning of their role.