3 Relationships that will require a reset when you become a Leader

In the joy of getting the promotion we tend to overlook a few things. We think that our friends will work with us as before, that we will get all the resources and authority and life would be great.

• The reality is vastly different.
• Our peers may no longer be our friends.
• Resources will always be a challenge as will be authority.

The organisation will expect us to deliver spectacular results all the time.

When you are promoted from an individual contributor role?into a leadership position, your job is going to undergo some fundamental changes,?both in a practical day-to-day sense?and?in terms of the?emotional and psychological impact.

To make a successful transition, you will need to adapt accordingly. This will require a shift in your focus and mindset, as well as a commitment to adopting leadership disciplines that will underpin our success.

?1.????Our friends are no longer our friends.?If you’re promoted to lead the team that you were once a part of,?a relationship reset?is necessary. Effective leadership demands that we be even-handed in our treatment of every team member. Playing favourites (on any basis other than performance) will erode our team’s motivation and commitment. The rule of thumb is to be?friendly, not friends?with our people.

What to do – A relationship reset with our friends - We must meet our colleagues (in a group or 1 to 1). Reassure them that you will respect them as before. Inform that since you are now responsible for results some things will change. Assure them of all help. Share with them how you will work as a leader. Ask them if they have any doubts.

?2.????You must align yourself with the intent of senior management.?As an individual contributor, you may have the luxury of being able to criticize the decisions made above you. As a leader, you don’t. You have to support the goals and objectives of the management and your boss. This doesn’t mean you can never ask “how” or “why,” but ultimately, you are being paid to execute and deliver on management intent - whether you agree with it or not.

What to do – A relationship reset with our boss – You must meet our boss, share our concerns, and seek help. The most critical part is to be aligned on priorities of work, resources, and accountability.

Ask your boss about his/her working style, share your working style. These alignment meetings should be a regular feature. Also set a mechanism about you receiving feedback from your boss.

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3.????You’re now the trustee of the companies’ resources.?As a leader, you’re a steward of your organization’s resources - people, money, and assets. Managerial diligence demands that every decision you make optimizes the resources entrusted to you. This stewardship must take precedence over your own popularity, fear, and self-interest: If you do the right thing by your organization, it will ultimately do the right thing by you.

What to do – A relationship reset with our resources – You need to reset your mindset towards how we use various resources. This requires you to have an in-depth understanding of how the business is being run (Business acumen), How finances are being managed (Financial acumen) and how to lead and develop people (People acumen). You might need the help of a mentor or a coach. Seek timely help.

Recognizing and understanding how our context changes when we become a leader will allow us to grow, and really thrive, in our new role. This will require us to change our mindset regarding the role, the people involved and the resources available. Business results are achieved by leaders through their vision and relationships. Successful leaders know when to do a relationship reset.?

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