Donald Trump will officially become President of the United States for a second time on 20 January. His inauguration in Washington D.C. will be one of the most watched TV events of early 2025 and fire the starting pistol on the traditionally important first 100 days in office.

These first 100 days set the tone of an administration. The President and his team are full of energy and eager to make their mark with new policies and strategies both at home and abroad.

Can we draw parallels between this and a new chief executive or managing director settling into their chair for the first time and gazing out over the expectant faces in the office, warehouse or yard?

Well, there will likely be less pomp and ceremony. No oath-taking and likely no poetic speeches urging staff to "not only ask what their company can do for you, but what you can do for your company."

More cold coffee and stale biscuits than JFK.

Nevertheless, the moment when a new leader takes charge – either via internal promotion or from outside via a headhunting hire or M&A deal – and those first few days behind the desk are as pivotal in their world as they will be in Trump's.

So, what is the advice for a new leader to ensure that they get employees on side, gain trust and support and start making decisions which will help keep the business flourishing?

Here are some tips:

Get Out There

You will be a busy person in your first few days in the job. Figures here, projections there, identifying the hurdles and the opportunities. But don't be a slave to the desk and the computer.

Engage with management – Outline your approach to working and how that will fit into existing business processes and rhythms. Does it align or will adjustments be necessary? Who are the movers and shakers? Who fits with your style? Who will need to be won over?
Meet your employees. Engage with them, learn their names, sit down for a cup of tea. Be visible and listen. Set up one-on-one meetings with as many people as possible. What is their role, their ambitions, challenges faced? What do they want from you?

Understand the Culture

Talking to people, listening and observing can also help you understand office politics. What areas need to be improved? How can productivity be boosted? What skills seem to be lacking in the building? How diverse is the team in terms of skills and backgrounds?

Operational Assessments

What is working well and what isn't in the business? Take time to learn and don't make any snap decisions. Don't point any fingers. Sort problems positively and proactively.

Clear Expectations

Those employees are looking at you. Is it a case of business as usual or do you have new plans or ways of working up your sleeve? Clarity over the roles employees are expected to play is crucial. Take time to explain any new plans and introduce training if necessary. Set out clear, ambitious but achievable goals and aims.

Let Them Know Your Communication Style

Let your employees understand your favoured communication style for a variety of issues. Are you a door-always-open boss, happy to jump on the phone or prefer emails for any ideas, discussions or concerns?

Learn from Ricky

Fans of TV show 'The Office' written by comedian Ricky Gervais will know the pitfalls of a boss trying to be everyone's friend. Of course, you want to be seen as friendly and approachable but remember you are the boss. The buck stops with you. Be clear in your leadership, your role and your attitude. And easy on the orange tan.