Stepping into a new leadership role, whether you are a seasoned executive or a first-time supervisor, can be a hair-raising experience. It is often a time met with a whole stew of mixed and contradicting feelings, excitement and fear, confidence and “what the heck am I doing here?”, drowning overwhelm and “I got this”.
Why your new leadership role matters
Navigating this time is an area of continuous study and research for two reasons:
- A failed leadership appointment is very expensive.
- A long and drawn out integration period is almost equally expensive.
Both situations have a negative effect on team morale, engagement and productivity.
1. Share your story in your new leadership role
Your new team is very interested in what they are dealing with on a daily basis. The person that appointed you is already sold on your skills and leadership capacity. Your team, however, probably not. As per a recent HBR article by David Sluss, there are two types of people in your team, warriors and worriers.
The warriors are concerned about whether you have the relevant knowledge, experience and competencies to comprehend their roles, and whether you have the leadership capacity. They are evaluating you to see if they will support you. Their barrage of questioning and digging may feel as though they are undermining you. It is probably not their intent.
The worriers need to know that they will be safe in this new setting. They need clear expectations, and insight into future plans and how you will lead.
To settle in with the new team, know yourself, your values and who you will be as the leader in this setting. How will you lead? Have a strong story to tell about experience, expectations, competence, the future, and your general leadership approach. In leadership onboarding, your story is the bridge.
2. Focus hard on time management and personal effectiveness
Navigating the people aspect of your new leadership role will be time consuming and taxing. Getting a grip on the tactical aspects of the role is often the safe place, at the cost of building rapport with the team, or the stuff that gets attention after hours, which will push you into overwhelm and exhaustion. This is a good time to sharpen your time management muscles and be very disciplined about scheduling and time blocking, even for self-care. Being the best you is your only leadership tool.
3. Ramp up your support system for your new leadership role
Make sure that you have a solid support system in place to help you manage difficult situations, doubt and your inner dialogue through the settling in period, and beyond. Having a mentor, a leadership coach and a strong relationship with your boss are three key supports that will help you pave the way forward and navigate the balance between people and tactical elements of the role.
Settle into your new leadership role with confidence
Take control of your new leadership position by focusing on the right things, not the comfortable things. Take care of yourself so you can take care of your team, and you will be paving the road to success for you and your new team. If you want a thinking partner as you onboard, consider leadership coaching or team coaching to shorten the curve and strengthen confidence.
