New Broom Syndrome

The New Broom Syndrome afflicts a lot of new managers (usually not leaders) who finds themselves in a position of power after years of being led by someone else. Their high levels of frustration and ineptitude results in the tendency to wield a big broom to clean up the entire organization because of the faulty premise that everything before them was flawed, their predecessor was a fool and the employees they have inherited are surely part of the problem.

The New Broom Syndrome therefore refers to the desire to sweep out old practices, old ways, old methods and even some of the old staff. Contrary to their belief, wielding such a broom only creates havoc and chaos, and will not have the desired effects. Employees will learn to fear any changes in management.

A true leader will first observe and learn before he might consider implementing any sweeping changes.