6 Actions To Ensure You Thrive As A Leader (while also avoiding burnout in the process)

When you finally get that promotion you’ve been working so hard to get it can come as a relief but the hard work is only just getting started.

You may need to completely rethink your approach to work. Here’s how to start…

After many years of diligently focusing on your own responsibilities, your hard work has been recognized.

You’re a leader now.

However, your professional journey is about to take a significant turn. You're no longer just a player on the field; you're now the coach responsible for the entire team's performance. This new role comes with a variety of changes and challenges, and to thrive, you'll need to adjust your approach and mindset.

This was probably one of the most difficult adjustments I had to make in my career and it certainly didn’t happen overnight.

As a manager, you're likely to find that words of affirmation, such as "thank you" and "well done," are scarce.

Don't be disheartened though.

This isn't an indication of your performance but rather a part of the role. As a leader, your rewards will often be less about overt recognition and more about the intrinsic satisfaction of achieving team goals and enabling others to grow and succeed.

This is where intrinsic motivation becomes vital.

You need to be driven by internal rewards such as personal growth, moral satisfaction, and the joy of contributing to your team's success. Recognizing and embracing this shift from external validation to self-fulfilment is a crucial part of your managerial evolution.

However, this journey isn't without its bumps.

As a manager, you'll encounter situations that are stressful and that you can't discuss with your team or peers due to confidentiality.

It is important to develop coping mechanisms that will help you manage these pressures. Whether it's a run in the park, a hobby, or meditation, find what helps you rejuvenate and detach from work stress.

Try to avoid resorting to alcohol or other unhealthy coping mechanisms.

During challenging times, remember that your team will look to you for solace, guidance and direction.

You will need to balance optimism with realism, providing a clear direction without resorting to a defeatist or nihilistic attitude. This can be tough, but your role as a leader is to inspire confidence and create a clear path forward, even in the face of adversity.

In those moments, don't hesitate to take a step back, regroup and reassess the situation.

It's okay not to have all the answers immediately. Your ability to reflect and think strategically will be far more valuable than quick but potentially misguided reactions.

Finding mentors you trust is another crucial step in navigating your new role.

A mentor who has walked the path you're now on can provide invaluable advice, perspectives, and solutions. They can be a sounding board for your ideas and challenges, offering objective insights and guidance.

However, remember that venting frustrations about work issues should never be done in front of your team or to individual colleagues.

Doing so can erode trust and foster a negative work environment.

Instead, use your mentor or an external support network as a safe space to vent and seek advice.

Becoming a manager is essentially a rite of passage in your professional life.

It's a transition from individual contributor to team leader, and it requires a significant shift in mindset and skills. It's about growing up professionally and embodying leadership qualities.

To thrive in your new role, keep these 6 action points in mind:

1. Foster intrinsic motivation and find satisfaction in team achievements.
2. Develop healthy coping mechanisms outside work.
3. Balance optimism with realism during crises.
4. Regroup and reflect in tough situations instead of reacting impulsively.
5. Seek guidance from trusted mentors.
6. Refrain from venting frustrations in front of your team.

Embrace the journey and the growth that comes with it.

As a manager, you have the opportunity to make a significant impact, not just on your organization, but on the lives and careers of your team members. This is a rewarding role that, while challenging, offers tremendous satisfaction and fulfilment.

Welcome to leadership.

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