The 3 Critical Questions Leaders Forget to Ask Themselves in a New Role

Taking on a new role—whether through a job change, promotion, or going out on your own—is a pivotal moment. It’s an opportunity to redefine your path, build your legacy, and set the tone for how you’re perceived as a leader. But in the rush to make a strong first impression and start delivering results, it’s easy to jump straight into “what needs to be done” instead of pausing to ask “who do I want to become?”

Neglecting this foundational self-assessment can come at a high cost. Leaders who skip this reflective step often find themselves overwhelmed, misaligned, and reactive rather than proactive. If you don’t take the time to address these three questions, the cost may manifest in ways that subtly erode your effectiveness and satisfaction over time.

The Cost of Skipping These Questions

Failing to reflect on these core questions can lead to:

• Misalignment with Core Values: Without a clear understanding of your values, you risk making decisions that feel inconsistent or inauthentic, leaving both you and your team with a lack of trust and clarity.
• Unintentional Impact and Legacy: Leaders who don’t define their vision for impact often end up remembered for unintentional outcomes rather than meaningful achievements.
• Increased Stress and Overwhelm: When you’re unclear about your guiding principles and goals, it’s easy to feel pulled in multiple directions, leading to burnout and decreased effectiveness.
• Missed Opportunities for Growth: A lack of awareness about personal leadership gaps means you miss critical chances to develop, leaving you stagnant while others continue to grow.

These aren’t small costs, and they can compound over time, affecting not only your success but also your fulfillment in the role. That’s why answering the following three questions is essential to set yourself up for a truly impactful leadership experience.

1. Who Do I Want to Be as a Leader?

Leaders are often judged quickly based on what they do, but the first question you should ask yourself is who you want to be. This means defining the values you’ll stand for, the principles that will guide your decisions, and the kind of presence you want to bring to the team. Without this foundation, you risk making reactive decisions that don’t reflect your values or vision, leaving you—and those you lead—adrift. But with a clear sense of who you want to be, every action can be aligned with intention and purpose.

These questions aren’t just thoughts to ponder; they require pen to paper or fingertips to keyboard to fully formulate your answers. Leaders who are most successful and experience ease and flow in their roles don’t leave these answers to chance—they define them and use them as their guiding reference point.

2. What Do I Want My Legacy to Be in This Role?

As Stephen Covey wisely advises, it’s essential to “begin with the end in mind.” Think of this role as part of your larger journey—one where you have a unique chance to leave an impact. Whether this role lasts one, two, or five years, what do you want people to remember about your contributions? Envisioning your legacy allows you to prioritize initiatives and relationships that will define your leadership. When you’re clear on this from day one, your actions naturally align with a broader purpose, making your impact intentional rather than accidental.

3. What Leadership Gaps Do I Need to Close to Accomplish 1 and 2?

With a clear vision of who you want to be and the legacy you want to leave, it’s critical to identify any gaps that could prevent you from reaching these goals. Are there areas where your skills or experience need strengthening? Do you have blind spots that could undermine your effectiveness? Recognizing these gaps gives you the chance to close them proactively, positioning yourself to meet challenges head-on rather than being caught off guard. Ask yourself: What gaps do I need to address to become the leader I aspire to be?

Identifying these gaps early ensures that your progress is deliberate, keeping you aligned with your goals and values every step of the way.

The Bottom Line: Leaders who address these questions set themselves up for intentional, impactful success, while those who don’t risk drifting, burning out, or leaving an unintentional legacy. Taking the time to reflect on these questions and lay the groundwork for the leader you want to become is essential, but remember—great leaders don’t do it alone.

Even the most experienced leaders can have blind spots, especially when it comes to understanding their own leadership gaps or envisioning who they want to become. Having a trusted thinking partner can make a world of difference, helping you uncover areas you might not see and clarify your leadership vision. Whether it’s defining the values that will guide your every action, envisioning a legacy that inspires, or identifying the skills that need sharpening, a support system can help you stay true to your goals and navigate the inevitable challenges with confidence.

If you’re ready to bridge the gap between where you are now and the leader you aspire to be, I’m here to help. Book a complimentary call with me, and together we can start answering these questions, build your path forward, and set you up for lasting impact and fulfillment in your new role. Leadership isn’t just about knowing what to do—it’s about knowing who you want to become and surrounding yourself with the right support to get there.

Let’s get started. Book here