39 Comments

As a leader, the two questions that resonate with me as good meet and greet questions are -

How can I make your job easier ?

Who do I talk to to make that happen ?

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This is a nice summary of the early days of a new role. I would add a question to your list: "What should we stop doing?"

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author

I like this! I will add it to #3 for my discussions.

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Isn't this similar to "What is not working?" If it's not working, then we need to either stop and find an alternative that does work.

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OR find an alternate solution...

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Not exactly. What are we wasting time and resources on that we don’t need to do, isn’t a priority, or has little impact?

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I love that distinction Patricia, and agree it may open up some new avenues of discussion with new team members.

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She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:26

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Things to do:

1. Release phasing data - Ancestry phases each DNA kit before working out matches. Allow the DNA customer to download the phased data. Allow the phased data to be see in the DNA sorting screen. I want to see my grandfather’s half of mum’s DNA and it frustrates me that Ancestry has this but I cannot.

2. Allow Some DNA uploads e.g. my Late father’s DNA test done at FTDNA Before Ancestry even had Autosomal testing.

3. Chromosome browser (could be optional)

4. Ancestor DNA reconstruction

5. Improve Tree functionality with time saving Features.

6. Sibling grouping of DNA (optional) to save time.

Good things:

Friendly and helpful staff to talk to on the phone

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author

Thanks for sharing your feedback. I will look into these items.

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I really like the on boarding framework. Will you be able to also share how you approach goal 30/60/90 days goal setting?

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author

I created a template I will share. I am still pressure testing it, but should have a draft shortly. Email me if you want an early copy.

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Deb, congratulations on your new role! I'm so excited to see you continue your transformational work. :) If you can share that 30-60-90 I'd love to learn from you.

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Hi Deb! Loved the article, I am starting my new job on Monday, any chance you can share the template? Thank you so much!

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I'd also love to see the template as I start a new job on Monday. What's your email? Thanks for the great post!

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author

Emailed it to you. All the best on your new job on Monday!

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It will be great if you can kindly share the template as well. Best wishes!

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Nice sharing. Thanks and congratulations for your new journey.

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Congratulations on your new gig, and thank you for sharing some insightful feedback

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Follow your posts closely and learn a lot:)

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Love this Deborah. It is really insightful. Here's wishing you best of luck at Ancestry

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Congrats, Deb! I’ve been quietly following along and have been really enjoying your content. Looking forward to supporting you in this new adventure.

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Hmmmm... Nothing new there. Not saying you're disingenuous, but this is what everyone says, many try and most don't actually do.

As a result, I honestly don't think anyone will think that you'll be any different and hence they won't give you really honest answers because by now, we've been asked exactly the same thing a dozen times.

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Love this article. I just started a new role about a month ago and wish I read this article sooner. Would you be able to share your 30-60-90 day plan with me as well?

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What I hope Ancestry will introduce is:

- Use big data approach to assign segments to ancestors.

It will provide so much value once the combination of DNA and trees is used in that direction. It will help solve thee more and more of our DNA once and for all.

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author

Thanks for your feedback. I will look into these items.

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And naturally, we all need and hope for a chromosome browser, but that one is obvious, I hope :)

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Congratulations on your new position. As a longtime customer who greatly values your product, I’m encouraged by your approach. I look forward to learning more about the directions you plan to take Ancestry and I’m optimistic that you’ll advance the field of family history in new and exciting ways.

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author

Thanks for the kind words.

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This is wonderful, looking forward to the (30-60-90) template, Would love to share it with my MBA class if that is ok!

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author

I am publishing it tomorrow! Stay tuned. You are welcome to use it in your class if it is useful.

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Thanks for such an insightful write up,Deb! I have followed your writings for a while and every single piece resonates really well. Would love to read more about the 30/60/90 day template. I would also love to hear your perspective on what shift in thinking does it take for someone to go from a position in middle management to leadership.

Wishing you an incredible run as the CEO of Ancestry!

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