Thoughts for the First Time Leader

I congratulated a newly minted team leader this week. After years of performance and demonstrated aptitude, he had been offered the opportunity to become the point person for the team’s success as their new manager. As we discussed his new role, it was clear he was both excited, as well as anxious, leading those who had been peers for some time now. “Not only are they excellent at their job, I consider several close friends,” He shared. “I hope our relationship doesn’t change now.” 

As a professional makes a move into a leadership role, it is important to keep a healthy mindset to optimize your new opportunity and maximize the return from your team. Today I share advice based on decades of conversations with promoted leaders and the teammates that have rallied around them. 

1. Keep your ego in check. Understand that this new role has been assigned to you, not given to you. You have a new layer of responsibility that includes bringing out the best in your team. You have earned the opportunity to take on this responsibility. Those that have the mindset of service to their team, their company, and their customer, are by far the most successful making the transition into leadership.
2. Balance friendships. Have a frank conversation with those you consider close friends. You can care deeply about each team member, but in fairness to the overall team, you have to set some healthy boundaries.  The team must feel you have each of their interests equally in mind. If you deeply care about each other, and the success of all, set reasonable boundaries that take away question of favoritism. Rather than one on one lunches with Bob every day, mix up your one on one time with the rest of the team, too. You need each team member to feel they have equal voice with you, and you will listen. This doesn’t mean you have to cut personal ties. It means you need to demonstrate parity and equity for the good of all. 
3. Early observation without judgement. Try not to jump in and make sweeping changes without a fair evaluation period. What outcomes are we looking for, and in what timeframe? What is going well on our team today? What strengths in my team members are there that we can utilize more efficiently? Think before you act. Remember, your new team is observing you as closely to determine if you are trustworthy and credible. Take in all information before making changes.  
4. Communication is key. Both with your team, as well as with the individual to whom you report. Let your team know you are there to create better outcomes for all. Ensure touch points are established with your manager to share objectives and align on goals. Staying close to big picture vision is critical to ensure your team is on the best path forward.  
5. You may be the brunt of all problems.  Similar to a parent navigating a teenager's emotions, it is not unusual for people, often those younger in career, to point all blame at a manager. Put on your armor and let it deflect off, and keep your eye on the goal of the company. Part of being a leader is being scrutinized. You are at the center of every decision, making it easy to blame you when things are not easy. 
6. Stay Positive, Stay Strong, yet be Human. There is a perception of some leaders that they must not share their fears with their team, that they must remain bulletproof in every situation. We don’t have to have exclusively a war time or peace time general. As a strong leader, you can have traits of both. When starting from a place of deep care for the team individually and for their success, you can have tough conversations. You can show authenticity of not having all the answers. You can let your team know you may not know the exact outcome, but together you are stronger. Empowering your team to step up and come together as part of a solution can be the one of the strongest lessons you provide them as future leaders.  

As a first-time leader of others, you have an exciting chapter to write in your own career journey. Embrace the responsibility and enjoy the reward of helping others become successful. One of the greatest joys I have after decades in the industry is watching those I have led in the past become successful, and lead teams of their own. Listen, think, and act in accordance with the goals set by the company and lead your team through your committed example. In return, you will have the reward of accomplishment, and your own lessons that will empower you for a stronger future.