96: How To Successfully Take Charge Of a New Team With Sean Patton

 In this solo episode, Sean Patton, host of The No Limit Leadership Podcast, breaks down one of the toughest transitions any leader faces — taking over a new team. Whether you’re stepping into a new role, leading a different department, or inheriting an established group, the first 90 days can define your long-term success. 

Sean draws from decades of leadership experience — from the battlefield to the boardroom — and coaching top executives to share: 

• The five biggest mistakes leaders make when taking over a team.
• The five proven steps to lead effectively in your first 90 days.
• How to balance trust, culture, and clarity so your team thrives.

This episode is packed with practical wisdom, mindset shifts, and field-tested tools for any leader ready to step up and build trust fast.
 
 
🧠 Key Takeaways
 

• Don’t try to prove yourself too fast — confidence builds through calm, deliberate action.
• Prepare personally and physically before leading others.
• Listen before leading — communication starts with curiosity.
• Avoid making promises too early; observe first, commit later.
• Never ignore team culture — it’s your most valuable asset.
• Apply Sean’s five-step system for your first 90 days: prepare yourself, gather intel, use the one-third rule, hold 1:1s, and communicate your vision.

 If this episode helped you, share it with a leader who’s stepping into a new role. Subscribe to The No Limit Leadership Podcast and join Sean each week to challenge limits, develop leaders, and fuel greatness. 

 
🕒 Timestamps
 
00:00 – Welcome and why taking over a new team matters
 04:10 – The 5 biggest mistakes leaders make
 22:30 – Step 1: Prepare yourself first
 31:00 – Step 2: Information is power
 38:00 – Step 3: The one-third rule
 46:00 – Step 4: Initial one-on-ones and personalized coaching
 53:00 – Step 5: Communicate your vision and leadership philosophy
 01:01:00 – Final thoughts: From managing to leading
 
 
🔗 Listen Now
 
🎧 Listen to this episode on Buzzsprout
 
 
🧩 About Sean Patton
 
Sean Patton is a leadership coach, speaker, and former U.S. Army Special Forces officer. As the founder of No Limit Leadership, he equips individuals and organizations to lead with clarity, character, and courage. His mission: help leaders master self-leadership so they can elevate others.
 

No Limit Leadership is the go-to podcast for growth-minded executives, middle managers, and team leaders who want more than surface-level leadership advice. Hosted by executive coach and former Special Forces commander Sean Patton, this show dives deep into modern leadership, self-leadership, and the real-world strategies that build high-performing teams. Whether you're focused on leadership development, building a coaching culture, improving leadership communication, or strengthening team accountability, each episode equips you with actionable insights to unlock leadership potential across your organization. From designing onboarding systems that retain talent to asking better questions that drive clarity and impact, No Limit Leadership helps you lead yourself first so you can lead others better. If you're ready to create a culture of ownership, resilience, and results, this leadership podcast is for you.