Build time into your calendar for a “Listening Tour.”  It is a great way for you to engage your colleagues in a spirit of cooperation. Plan time to meet with other leaders in different parts of the business.  Have a few questions ready that cover key challenges, areas of strength and weakness, and major threats to accomplishing annual objectives. Schedule short, informal meetings to better understand what is happening across the business and where the opportunities exist for partnership and/or the exchange of ideas.