From Contributor to Leader: Embracing Your New Role and Thriving in Leadership

Hello Friends,?I was asked to submit an article for the fall September-October issue of?Illinois Parks and Recreation?magazine. As a subscriber, you will get the first look at the article before it hits the world. Enjoy and embrace your roles in leadership!

Congratulations! You have just embarked on an exciting new journey. It is a monumental shift to leave the world of individual contribution and step into the realm of leadership. This new role will challenge you to think and act differently, moving from doing the work to ensuring that others do it effectively. Here's your roadmap to embrace this shift with grace, wisdom, and strategic intent.

You Were Chosen for a Reason First things first: You were selected for this leadership role because you've demonstrated the qualities of a leader. Your diligence, drive, capability, and collaborative spirit have stood out, signaling that you possess the potential to take on greater responsibility. Leadership isn't about simply telling people what to do. It's about inspiring, training, and sometimes correcting your team members to help them succeed. Now, your task is to encourage those qualities to cultivate the same strengths in others. The Paradigm Shift:

Moving from Doing to Leading One of the most significant changes you'll experience is the shift from doing the work yourself to ensuring your team is empowered and equipped to achieve goals. You'll guide, influence, and motivate your direct reports, peers, and other stakeholders across the organization to perform at their best. This new role will involve practical management and mastering the subtle art of leadership. Remember: Leadership isn't about exerting control but creating conditions where others can excel. You'll no longer focus solely on day-to-day operations but on the bigger picture—strategic planning, long-term goals, and organizational growth.

Politic Well To be an effective leader, you must understand your organization's internal structure and how decisions are made. Much of your achievement will come from collaboration with other departments, teams, and entities. This requires navigating office politics well, building alliances, and ensuring your voice is heard at the suitable tables. Building strong relationships with other leaders is essential. Doing so creates a network of influence that will help you accomplish your objectives more efficiently and effectively. Master the Art of

Managing Up Managing up is one of the most critical aspects of leadership. Your relationship with your boss will be vital to your success. If you want a better leader, become a better follower. That means being courageous, fully committed, and a critical thinker. Understanding that your boss needs you to be their ally is essential. This exchange might mean offering honest feedback, proposing solutions to problems, or simply demonstrating a willingness to go above and beyond. Don't just take directions; be proactive in anticipating needs and offering value.

Step Into the Strategic Realm Moving into leadership also requires you to shift your focus from the immediate tasks at hand to the larger, strategic goals of the organization. You'll be responsible for thinking about where the organization is going and how your team can contribute to that future. This commitment demands a high level of alignment between your personal values and the organization's values. Any misalignment, or what is known as "mission drift," can cause significant issues for you and your team. Take time to understand your organization's mission, vision, and strategic objectives so that you can lead with clarity and purpose.

Understanding the Five Bases of Power As a leader, you must understand the various power sources at your disposal. These five bases of power will help you influence your team and the broader organization:

1. Legitimate Power: This authority comes with your position. People follow you because of your role in the hierarchy.

2. Expert Power: People will seek guidance if you possess specialized knowledge or skills.

3. Referent Power: This is power derived from being likable and respected. When people admire you, they are more likely to follow your lead.

4. Coercive Power: This is the ability to enforce consequences or punishment, though it should be used sparingly and with care.

5. Reward Power: Leaders can influence others by offering rewards, whether monetary, opportunities, or praise. Understanding these bases of power helps you navigate different situations effectively. The key is to balance them wisely, knowing when to assert authority, offer rewards, or rely on your expertise and charisma.

Find Your Authentic Leadership Style Another essential step in your leadership journey is discovering your authentic leadership style. Every leader has a unique approach, and it's crucial to identify yours. Tools such as the DISC personality assessment, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), and StrengthsFinder can help you pinpoint your natural leadership tendencies. For example, are you more of a transformational leader who inspires change and innovation? Or do you lean towards servant leadership, putting the needs of your team first? Knowing your leadership style will enable you to lead more effectively and authentically.

Cultivate a Dynamic Team Leadership is not just about you; it's about the people you lead. To be successful, you must build and nurture a dynamic, high-performing team. Take time to understand what makes a great team member—this includes their skills, values, and work ethic. Just as importantly, study how to recruit and retain top talent. Building a cohesive team starts with hiring people with the right skills and fit into your team culture. Once they're on board, invest in their development. Encourage their growth, provide mentorship, and create a sense of belonging. A great leader knows that the team's success is their success.

Invest in Your Personal and Professional Development As a leader, it's essential to commit to continuous learning. Personal and professional development should be a priority. The best leaders never stop growing—they read, seek mentors, and join networking groups to expand their knowledge and capabilities. Consider investing in a program like the Certified Professional Business Leaders course . This comprehensive 24-week program covers everything from team building and ethics to strategy and beyond. By sharpening your skills, you'll be better prepared to navigate the complexities of leadership.

In Closing, Stepping into leadership is an exciting new chapter in your career. It will challenge you to grow in ways you've never imagined, and it offers a tremendous opportunity to make a lasting impact on your team and organization. By focusing on collaboration, managing up, aligning with your organization's values, understanding the power at your disposal, and investing in continuous learning, you'll be well-equipped to succeed. Remember, leadership is a journey, not a destination. Stay curious, stay adaptable, and most importantly, stay true to yourself. As you embrace your new role, know you can inspire others and create a lasting legacy of growth, innovation, and success.

Now, go forth and lead—your team is counting on you!

Dr. Tracey C. Jones is the author of 13 books, an in-demand leadership speaker, consultant, podcaster, USAF veteran, and publisher. She speaks across the country on igniting organizational excellence through leader/follower synergies. She can be reached at [email protected] .