Embarking on a new leadership role is a thrilling experience, but let’s be honest; it can be downright daunting. Finally achieving your dream of becoming a manager is a testament to your hard work and dedication, but when you step into that new role, it’s like finding yourself in uncharted territory. Having guided and mentored front-line managers for quite a while now, I’ve noticed some common missteps that new leaders often find themselves making.
Let’s dive into the top three mistakes that new managers typically make.
Holding onto their previous role
Imagine Emily, for instance. She went from being an outstanding Technical Engineer to becoming a Tech Support Manager. Emily’s reputation for excellence in her previous role made her a natural choice for the leadership position. But on her first day as a manager, she found herself knee-deep in the technical tasks she used to handle.
It’s understandable to gravitate toward what you know best, but here’s the kicker: a leader’s primary mission is managing and nurturing the team. Helping out your team members from time to time is commendable, but it shouldn’t overshadow the fundamental task of grooming future top performers.Being friends with their team members
Then there’s Steve, the new manager who’s now in charge of the same team he used to be a part of. Steve was known as the life of the party and everyone’s best buddy, and he’s not about to change that. He’s steering clear of being bossy and is more than willing to cut his pals some slack when they make mistakes.
Genuine leadership calls for a laser focus on your top goals. As a new leader, it’s essential to pinpoint your most critical priorities and make choices that align with them. This might mean setting some boundaries without sacrificing the camaraderie that makes work enjoyable. You can be the boss at the office and a friend outside of it, but it’s essential to respect those boundaries. If juggling both roles proves tricky, it could be time to rethink your career path or evaluate the nature of your friendships.Getting an inflated ego
Consider Marissa, who recently stepped into a supervisor role and underwent quite the transformation. She started dressing more formally, started exuding confidence, and even occasionally bossed people around. Marissa believed that her promotion warranted a change in her demeanor to emphasize her new leadership role.
True leadership involves self-sacrifice, not pumping up your ego. As a leader, you’re part of something bigger than yourself, and that should keep you grounded. Take a moment to reflect on your motivations; if you’re chasing leadership solely for personal gain, it’s time to pause and reevaluate your options.
In a nutshell, leadership boils down to staying true to your authentic self, setting clear boundaries, and dedicating yourself to a more significant purpose. By staying genuine and staying focused on your principles, you’ll inspire others to put in the effort and contribute to the shared vision.