3 Costly Mistakes Nobody Warns You About When Getting A Promotion

"Failure in a new assignment can spell the end of a promising career." Michael D. Watkins in his book 'The first 90 days'

Congratulations! You just got a promotion. Or maybe you’ve been in the new role for a few months already. A?promotion is a testament to the results and successes you’ve achieved in your previous position. It’s also a sign of the trust your leadership has in you to deliver at the next level.

From my experience working with leaders, I’ve noticed a common tendency: underestimating that when your title changes, your mindset and skillset need to change with it. Many leaders assume the new job is just a logical continuation of the previous one, when in reality, it’s a major step change. You might now be managing a larger, more geographically dispersed team. In addition, the budget and company assets under your responsibility have likely increased significantly.

I’ve been there myself when I was still working in the corporate world. Like many, I underestimated the shift in expectations that came with my new role. By the time I realized how underprepared I was, it was almost too late. Because?once trust in your competence is damaged, rebuilding it can be incredibly difficult.

I don't have to tell you that the higher you climb, the thinner the air gets.?So, if no one else has told you, let me be the one to say it: prepare yourself before you start in the new role.

In this month’s edition of my Nuggets, I’ve highlighted 3 costly mistakes nobody warns you about when getting a promotion.

???1. Missing Alignment with Your New Boss About What Success Entails

- The Mistake: Many newly promoted leaders jump into their role without having clear conversations with leadership about what success looks like. They assume their definition of success aligns with that of their new boss or leadership team, but that’s not always the case.

- Why It’s Costly: Without alignment on priorities and expectations, you may focus on the wrong tasks or miss critical opportunities to make an impact, leading to frustration and missed chances for early wins.

- The Fix: Early on, have a discussion with your new leadership to clarify expectations, key priorities, and metrics for success. Make sure everyone is on the same page about what matters most in your new role.

???2. Forgetting That Companies Have Short-Term Memory

- The Mistake: Many leaders think their past successes will automatically carry them forward, but in a fast-paced environment, companies have short-term memories. You need to prove yourself again in your new role. As Marshall Goldsmith wrote: 'What got you here won't get you there.'

-?Why It’s Costly: If you don’t secure quick wins early on, you may be perceived as underperforming, even if you’re still adjusting to the new position. This can add significant pressure and damage your credibility.

- The Fix: Prioritize delivering early wins that demonstrate you’re the right person for the job. These don’t need to be huge, but they should be visible and impactful enough to leave a strong first impression.

???3. Not Being Ready to Let Go

- The Mistake: Many newly promoted leaders struggle to step away from being the expert, maintaining control over every detail, and holding onto tasks they handled in their previous role. However, leadership at a higher level is about trust, delegation, and empowering your team.

- Why It’s Costly: If you try to manage everything, you’ll quickly become overwhelmed, and your team will feel demotivated. They won’t have the opportunity to take ownership and grow, which is essential for your team’s success and yours.

- The Fix: Focus on trust-building and delegation. Learn to let go of the details so you can concentrate on the bigger picture, which is where your real value lies in your new position.

There's a french saying that goes like this: 'Un homme averti en vaut deux.' A warned man is worth two. Enjoy the journey !

Chris

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