Think back to the first time you led a team. It may be quite a few years ago now, but can you remember how it felt? For me, I was full of excitement and loved the idea of leading a team. A new opportunity like this doesn’t come along every day and I didn’t want to lose it. I had done so much to prove myself and this was my chance to show my leadership team that I could do even more.
My focus was on the work and the team. I basically continued to do the same things that I did before, but had a title and an office. I thought that I was leading the team, but if I asked them, they probably would have said I was micromanaging a bit. I knew how to get a lot of work done and lead a project team. Leading an organization of people is different. There needs to be a focus on creating a vision, strategy of how to get there, developing the team and giving them opportunities to be visible, influencing others, and creating my own visibility.
All new leaders face these same challenges. What they think the role will be and how it actually is can be very different. New leaders need support to be successful. If you are leading people now you know that every day is dynamic and it isn’t easy. When I coach new leaders, I help them first learn who they are and how they want to show up as a leader of their team. Then we move on to focus on the foundational skills to motivate, delegate, communicate and develop their team. These skills take practice and time to incorporate into the leader’s everyday experience.
If you are leading someone who is new in their role, you may have to be more directive with them until they learn how to do it on their own. Help them learn from your experiences and give them an opportunity to attend training if they need it. Recognize that they will need time to adjust to the new role and consistent feedback from you is necessary for their success. Don’t avoid telling them the truth. They can’t improve if they don’t know anything is wrong.
Remember, you have the responsibility to create new leaders. What have you learned that you can share with them? Help them learn how to ask for your help so they can see it as a way to accelerate their learning and growth. How can you expand your own leadership now that you are leading them? I had some amazing leaders who helped support me through this transition. They took the time to help me go through one of the biggest challenges a leader can face. Where do you see an opportunity to lead, mentor, coach or support someone in your company so they can reach the same success that you have?