From Struggle to Success: Real-Life Coaching Tips for Newly Promoted Leaders

As a leadership coach, I recently helped a newly promoted people leader at an Australian firm who was struggling with team communication.

His team couldn’t meet expectations due to poor communication, missed agreements, and deadlines. Together, we aligned the team on operational standards and acceptable behaviors.

The result? Improved communication, timely deliveries, and a manager who spent more time supporting his team rather than troubleshooting.

? Key Lessons:

? Struggling is Normal: Managing people is more complex than creating presentations, crunching numbers, or writing code. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a step towards effective leadership.

? Seek Help: Professional leadership coaches can help you navigate potential pitfalls and ensure you deliver on your new responsibilities.

? Unlock Potential: Both you and your team have the potential for greatness. As a leader, it's your duty to bring out the best in everyone.

? Approach to Coaching:

? Identify the Root Cause of Struggles: I start by understanding what specific challenges the manager is facing and why they are struggling with these issues. This involves deep conversations to uncover hidden obstacles and blind spots that may not be immediately apparent.

? Explore the Manager's Motivation: It’s crucial to understand why solving these issues is important to the manager. Knowing their personal and professional motivations helps tailor the coaching process to align with their goals and values.

? Pinpoint Key Insights and Required Changes: Once the challenges and motivations are clear, I provide insights on how their new role as a leader differs from their previous roles. We identify specific behaviors and actions they need to change or adopt to improve their effectiveness and achieve the desired results.

? Implement Actionable Steps: Together, we develop a concrete action plan that includes practical steps the manager can take to address their challenges. This plan often involves setting clear expectations, improving communication strategies, and fostering a supportive team culture.

? Monitor Progress and Adjust: Regular check-ins are essential to monitor the manager’s progress and make necessary adjustments to the action plan. This ongoing support helps ensure sustained improvement and adaptability to any new challenges that arise.

? Common Misconceptions:

Many newly promoted managers think their promotion means they are ready to lead. In reality, they are promoted because of their potential. With the right coaching support, they can avoid feeling overwhelmed or insecure. Remember, you’re starting at the bottom rung of a new level.

? Advice for New Leaders:

? Define Your Leadership Style: This might not come naturally. You may need a sounding board and a catalyst to evoke this leadership out of you.

? Stay Focused: Without a clear vision of who you are being, you can fall prey to unhelpful thinking, fears, and insecurities. Your team will sense a lack of leadership.

? Recommended Resource:

If you have people reporting to you, I cannot recommend "The Rise of Manager as Coach" enough. This handbook guides you in shaping your interactions with your team, making you more impactful and your team more productive.

Leadership is a journey, and having the right support can make all the difference.

What strategies have you found effective in transitioning to leadership roles? Share your experiences and tips below!