So you’ve just been promoted to manager. Congratulations! You might be feeling a little overwhelmed, afraid to fail, and not 100% sure what you’re doing—don’t worry, it’s normal.
You can set yourself up for success by talking to a few experienced managers. Invite them to coffee or lunch and ask for advice. Ask them about the challenges and rewards of the job, the mistakes they have made, and how they handle tough situations.
If you don’t have access to managers, don’t worry, you’re still the greatest predictor of your success. Try defining the type of leader you want to be:
1. What qualities do you like in a leader? Maybe someone who listens and sets clear expectations. Maybe someone who coaches and unleashes potential.
2. What do you dislike? Maybe micromanagers, or people who play favorites.
3. What behaviors will you repeat or avoid? Maybe you want to hold regular 1-on-1s with each team member or avoid sharing your ideas until everyone shares theirs.
Leadership can seem difficult, but when you consistently act on one behavior each week, your efforts will pay off in the long run.
Leading a team requires a different skillset than working as an individual contributor. To succeed in the face of new challenges, first-level leaders need to shift how they think and act. Download our latest guide and develop your people into a high-performing team.
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