Spend the first 30 days listening and learning, not restructuring. Trust is built before transformation.
Look for: listening before acting (understanding current state), establishing trust and psychological safety, clarifying mission and expectations, identifying quick wins, assessing team capabilities, building relationships with key stakeholders, and setting up team rhythms (standups, 1:1s, retrospectives). Best candidates mention the importance of not disrupting what already works.
Tests leadership maturity. New leaders who change everything immediately often fail. Those who listen first and build trust before making changes demonstrate wisdom.