Boss up your skills!

Congratulations, you’re promoted!

Remember that time you moved up your career ladder?

I remember the time when I first got promoted to being the director of our clinical department.

Yep, I was the BOSS (trust me, there's more to it than that).

Before this, I was out there receiving many accolades and gaining recognition as an expert clinician. I loved every bit of it.

The pivotal moment

Then, something HUGE happened. I realized that becoming a boss required a different skill set from what made me a stellar individual contributor.

Yes, going up your career ladder requires a shift in your psychology — from focusing on your strengths, to leaning on the strengths of your team!

It’s about making a real impact through others.

It’s not just about ME anymore. It’s about US.

Before you are a leader: success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader: success is all about growing others. - Jack Welch

This Week’s Ladder:

Understanding the myths of management.

Being a great leader requires a different skill set from being a stellar individual contributor.

But let's break it down with a bit more pizzazz, shall we?

First off, let's talk about the psychological shift I mentioned above.

Yes, it's not just a title change.

You're literally rewiring your brain.

It’s like going from being the lead actor in a blockbuster to directing an ensemble cast in a Broadway show. The spotlight shifts from you to your team.

And guess what?

No more standing ovations just for you.

Welcome to the world of collective applause.

New managers often struggle with this transition.

Imagine being Usain Bolt and suddenly being asked to coach a relay team.

You think, "I can run fast, how hard can this be?"?

The better question to ask is, “How will I pass the baton?”

Here's your career ladder:

The best managers and leaders don't completely abandon their individual contributor mindset. Instead, they evolve it.

They take those traits that made them excellent solo performers—like discipline, time management, and dedication—and repurpose them into skills that benefit the team.

But there are some management myths that new managers often fall prey to:

The myths of management

Myth 1: Managers wield significant authority

You might think, "I'm the boss now, so I call the shots."

Reality check: your authority is probably more limited than you think.

Instead of relying solely on authority, you'll need to influence. Influence is your new best friend.

Use it wisely.

Myth 2: Managers must control their team

Some believe that being a manager means controlling every move the team makes.

Wrong!

Effective management isn't about control. It's about empowerment.

Support your team.

Help them reach their goals.

The less you try to control, the more they'll thrive.

Myth 3: Managers need to have all the answers

Feeling the pressure to be a walking encyclopedia?

Don't.

As a manager, your role is to facilitate problem-solving.

Encourage your team to share their expertise.

Create an environment where collaboration thrives.

You'll be surprised how much you don't need to know.

If you're transitioning to a managerial role, remember it's not about losing your identity as a high achiever. It's about expanding it.

You’re not just the player anymore;

you're the strategist,

the cheerleader,

and sometimes,

yes, the referee.

Embrace the chaos, and you'll find that leading a team to success can be just as rewarding as any individual accolade—if not more so.

So, step up.

There's a standing ovation waiting for you and your team at the other side of the ladder.

And the view from the other side?

Absolutely worth it.

To your success,

Dr. Lex ??

P.S. If you want to have the full experience of CAREER LADDER, including my recommendations, try it for FREE! https://www.careerldr.com/subscribe