The Challenge of Newly Formed Leadership Teams & How Integrators Steer Them Toward Success

As a seasoned Fractional Integrator, I’ve worked with numerous leadership teams over the past decade and have encountered a recurring challenge that I’m sure many of my peers can relate to. This challenge involves driving a company forward with a newly formed leadership team.

When guiding a leadership team that’s made up of new leaders, the potential for growth and success is immense, but so are the challenges and uncertainties. This is because these individuals, while possibly brilliant in their previous roles, are now in uncharted territory. They’re expected to make decisions that impact not just their departments but the entire organization. This leap from team member to team leader is often fraught with obstacles, each representing either a significant growth opportunity or a potential pitfall.

Understanding The Unique Challenges New Leaders Face

• The Strategic Shift: Many of these individuals have excelled as doers, but leading requires a shift to a more strategic mindset. It’s one thing to follow a plan; it’s another to create a plan that helps execute a vision. This shift can be overwhelming for new leaders, and without proper guidance, it can lead to decision paralysis or, conversely, hasty and ill-considered decisions.
• Managing Team Dynamics: New leaders often struggle to transition from being a peer to a manager. Balancing authority with approachability is a delicate task, especially for those promoted from within the ranks. It requires a level of emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills that might not have been necessary in their previous roles.
• Communication: Clear, effective communication is the backbone of any successful team, yet it’s often where new leaders falter. They may either over-communicate, trying to micromanage every aspect of their team’s work, or under-communicate, leaving their team in the dark about expectations and objectives.
• Accountability: New leaders might find it difficult to hold their team members accountable because they are uncomfortable with conflict or lack the experience to manage it constructively. This lack of accountability can lead to a breakdown in team cohesion and a decrease in overall productivity across the entire team.

5 Ways Integrators Help Steer New Leaders Toward Success

As Integrators, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to mold these emerging leaders. Here’s how we can make a significant impact:

1. Identifying Leadership Potential: The first step is to recognize individuals who exhibit leadership qualities aligned with the company’s mission and core values. We look for those who demonstrate a deep understanding of the vision, are willing to face challenges, and can inspire and influence others.
2. Mentoring and Coaching:?We ensure they have the resources, training, and support to grow their strategic thinking, decision-making, communication, and management skills. Our goal is to create a safe environment where new leaders can experiment, learn from mistakes, and gradually build their confidence and competence as leaders.
3. Fostering Team Cohesion: A crucial part of this development process includes helping new leaders navigate the complexities of their new positions. We assist them in managing transitions from peers to supervisors, resolving conflicts constructively, and cultivating a culture of accountability and mutual respect within their teams.
4. Aligning with Vision: Our role as Integrators is to align these developing leaders with the company’s overarching vision by ensuring that their goals and actions align with the business’s strategic objectives. We work to create a unified front where each leader understands their role in the company’s journey toward success.
5. Managing Leadership Misfits: Not all emerging leaders will find their footing, and as Integrators, it’s our job to recognize and address this. Through candid conversations and assessments, we determine the best path forward for each individual, ensuring that every team member is in a position where they can thrive and contribute effectively.

Steering a newly formed leadership team toward success is one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of being an Integrator. By transforming these emerging leaders, we not only get to help advance the company’s objectives, but we also get the opportunity to contribute to each team member’s personal and professional development. What strategies have you found most effective in developing unseasoned leadership teams?

About the Author Brenda Violette

Brenda Violette, Founder and CEO of Violette Business Services, LLC, is a seasoned expert in Integration and Business Development, dedicated to empowering small businesses to overcome their most significant challenges. Her premier service is as a Fractional Integrator for companies running on the Entrepreneurial Operating System? (EOS?). Additionally, Brenda offers specialized Integrator Coaching and Mentoring for solo Integrators and Visionaries who have elevated an Integrator from within their organization, ensuring seamless transitions and alignment.?

With over 30 years of experience in operations, administration, and leadership, Brenda has a proven track record of empowering individuals and organizations to achieve sustainable growth. She is a graduate of EOS Rocket Fuel University?, a pioneer and long-time former member of the Integrator Mastery Forum?, and a certified Kolbe Consultant?. Brenda’s expertise lies in guiding Visionaries and leadership teams to execute their vision effectively and unlock their full potential.?

Brenda partners with businesses operating on the Entrepreneurial Operating System? (EOS?) to implement transformative processes that drive results, foster collaboration, and build robust leadership frameworks.?

Connect with Brenda at?www.BrendaViolette.com?to explore her services and learn how she can support your leadership journey.