After finishing graduate school, I took a General Manager position for a small performing arts organization based out of New York City. I work directly for the board, all of whom are volunteer and have a financial investment in the organization. Four weeks in, and here is what I have come to learn:
Make THEM part of YOUR process:
This one might be silly, but it goes along with building a solid base with your team. You want your team to understand your working style, and part of that is filling them in. Before you send an email to your patrons, shoot it over to your board president or a marketing teammate and ask for their feedback. This makes them feel like a contributing member but also saves you the headache of any errors you might have missed and will hear about it later.
Build TRUST:
I know who I am - Type A, overachiever, always-get 'er done attitude - I am the traditional arts manager. That doesn't mean my new teammates know me. Being dependable, responsive, and a good listener at first is best. Save your great ideas for when trust is built.
It is vital to success to build trust with your inside and outside community.
Remember, you are supporting the neck of their baby and they need to make sure you are ready for that responsibility.
Make RELATIONSHIPS:
Take the time to learn about your team as people. Even though this is a career for you, it is a hobby/boys club for them. They enjoy the social part of the gig - so make your interactions with them both business and pleasure. A friend is always better than a co-worker in the arts.
