Richmond football manager Neil Balme says the club's hierarchy must develop a clear list management vision and be prepared to stick with it.
But the dual premiership ruckman has warned that changes won't happen overnight as the club looks to improve its mediocre recent performance.
One of the game's most-respected administrators, Balme spent the past few years at Collingwood but was enticed back to the Tigers following a review of the club's football department.
Balme will commence his new role at Punt Road on Monday, but says he has held talks with coach Damien Hardwick, chief executive Brendon Gale and predecessor Dan Richardson, who will move into a talent management role.
"As much as we're involved in footy and you watch everyone play, you really don't know ... where are all of these players at?," he told SEN radio on Friday.
"Who have you given up on, if any? Who do you need to work on?
"We'll work through all that. Nothing will happen immediately but there's just got to be a plan to all the things we do.
"If you're not sure where you're going, if you're waiting for something to happen and then reacting all the time, that's when you're in a bit of strife."
Richmond are likely to secure Gold Coast gun Dion Prestia during the trade period but will need to do more to improve their list, with persistent speculation the club might seek a trade for star midfielder Brett Deledio to free up space for new talent.
The Tigers are also looking to find new assistant coaches to replace sacked trio Mark Williams, Greg Mellor and Ross Smith.
Geelong assistant Blake Caracella spent five years working under Balme at the Cats and could be considered for a role.
Balme said he remained on good terms with Collingwood officials and couldn't wait to sink his teeth into his new role after a 37-year absence from Punt Road.
"For me to finish up now at the Tigers, it's a dream I never even was prepared to dream," he said.
"As it's turned out, something that could have been quite difficult has been pretty good from my point of view, in terms of my relationship with the people at Collingwood and a great opportunity to go back to the Tigers."
Richmond chief Gale has said the club had already been in talks with Balme before a rebel group seeking a spill of the Tigers' board last week called for his appointment.
