You're the New Leader...What Now?

Stepping into a new leadership role can be exciting and unnerving, especially if it is your
first formal leadership role.

So, consider these suggestions as to what deserves your attention as you embark on this leadership journey. 

Start with Observation and Listening. Resist the urge to rush in and make lots of changes. Instead, take a deep breath. Observe. Listen. Understand the lay of the land. Get to know the employees, the team dynamics, processes, and the work environment. Attend meetings, shadow team members, and actively listen. What works well? What are the challenges?

Avoid the “Change Avalanche”.  New leaders sometimes sprint out of the gate, eager to prove themselves. But beware of the avalanche of change. Instead, introduce adjustments gradually. Involve your team—ask for feedback, conduct brainstorming sessions and co-create solutions. When people feel heard, they’re more likely to embrace change willingly. Remember, it’s not about proving yourself but building a thriving team.

Invest time to build genuine relationships. Your team is not just a collection of job titles; they are people with aspirations, fears, and talents. Trust is the currency of leadership and is earned through authentic connections.

Learn the Unwritten Rules. Every workplace has norms and customs that aren’t in the employee handbook. Pay attention, ask questions, and adapt.

Learn from your experienced employees. Chances are, team members have seen managers, policies, and procedures come and go. Tap into their wisdom. Ask about successes and failures. Learn from their experiences. They’ll appreciate your humility and willingness to learn.

Communicate Transparently. Leadership is not about having all the answers; it’s about being honest when you don’t. Share your vision for the team openly. Transparency builds trust. Even if uncertainty looms, admit it. Your authenticity will resonate. A leader who says, “I don’t know, but we’ll figure it out together,” inspires confidence.

Enjoy your journey and remember, leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about growth. You’ll stumble (we all do!); own those missteps. Apologize when needed. Laugh at yourself.  Show vulnerability.  Your humanity will inspire others to do the same.