This phrase, along with the statistic that 60% of new managers fail within the first 24 months, highlights a critical challenge in leadership transitions.

So, what exactly does this mean, and what can you do about it as an employee about to embark on leadership, an existing leader, or a company looking to appoint new leaders?

In the corporate world, employees often perform well and move from individual contributor to team leader and manager. However, when they reach a leadership position, they may find that “What got you here, won’t get you there” and start to doubt their abilities. 

I've had several conversations with leaders who felt out of their depth because they “never got anything done themselves” and were “talking to people all the time.” Additionally, they struggled with “incomplete action items” and “new issues disrupting planned activities.”

What does this mean?

You have not been promoted with simply a larger scope within the same role. To succeed as a leader, you need to prioritize actions that drive the success of the business forward. Transitioning to a higher level of leadership is a significant milestone and needs to be approached consciously. 

For aspiring or new leaders, here are a few tips on how to manage this transition mindfully and effectively.

Understanding the Shift

Moving into a higher leadership role is about evolving your mindset and approach, not simply taking on a larger scope and more responsibility. Recognize that what made you successful in your previous role might not be sufficient in your new position. You will need a deep understanding of the new expectations and the skills needed to meet them.

Building and Maintaining Trust and Relationships

A successful leadership transition hinges on building trust and strong relationships. As a new leader, establish credibility with your team and peers through active listening, empathy, and transparency about your goals and challenges. Trust is the foundation of effective leadership and can significantly impact your ability to lead and inspire others. Stay connected with day-to-day operations through town halls and team lunches.

Navigating Organizational Culture

Understanding and integrating into the organizational culture is vital. Each organization has its unique set of values, norms, and unwritten rules. Take the time to observe and learn about the culture, and align your leadership style accordingly. This alignment can help you gain acceptance and support from your team and other stakeholders.

Shifting from the 'Doer' Mentality to Effective Delegation

As you move up the leadership ladder, the ability to delegate effectively becomes increasingly important. Trusting your team to handle tasks and make decisions empowers them and frees you to focus on strategic initiatives. Effective delegation also fosters a sense of ownership and accountability within the team and is a great way to show support while challenging your team. 

Top Tip: Use the Eisenhower 2x2 decision matrix

Moving from Problem-Solving to Opportunity-Seeking

Develop strategic agility and innovation. The problems that reach upper management are often more complex and critical. They require quick, strategic decision-making to prevent them from escalating and affecting the entire organization. These challenges can be seen as opportunities to reinforce values, priorities, and policies, and to lead by example. So, next time something unplanned or unforeseen arises, take a moment to think about how it can be turned into an opportunity. The more you adopt this mindset, the more second nature it will become, reducing stress from unexpected issues.

Managing Stress and Maintaining Balance

Higher-level leadership roles come with increased pressure and scrutiny. It’s crucial to manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Prioritize self-care and set boundaries to ensure you remain effective and resilient in your role. 

Top Tip: Identify the specific sources of your stress, whether it is due to insufficient information, lack of concise data, time constraints, or unclear impact. By accurately pinpointing the stressors, you can more effectively implement targeted strategies to address them.

Embracing Continuous Learning

Leadership is a journey of continuous learning. Embrace the opportunity to develop new skills and gain insights from mentors and peers. Seek feedback regularly and be open to constructive criticism. This not only aids personal growth but also demonstrates your commitment to becoming a better leader. 

Remember: Be kind and patient with yourself—one step at a time.

Trusting Your Ability to Set the Right Priorities

A fantastic leader once said to me, "Nathalie, your success has come from setting the right priorities in your career. Trust in your ability to continue doing so. While you may not accomplish everything, focusing on your top priorities will ensure you achieve what matters most."

Thank you, Franc Gentili, for those words; they have stuck with me ever since, and I pass them on, often. It's crucial to be acutely aware of what success looks like for your business and what you are measured on, and then trust your priority management.

Conclusion for Aspiring or New Leaders

A conscious transition to the next level of leadership is essential for long-term success. By understanding the shift, building trust, embracing continuous learning, navigating organizational culture, delegating effectively, and managing stress, new leaders can thrive in their roles. 

Remember: leadership is not just about leading others; it’s about leading yourself with intention and purpose.

For Businesses Looking to Build Leaders from Within

• Foster a culture within the organization that views the transition to management and leadership as a continuous learning journey.
• Encourage senior managers to dedicate time to mentoring junior colleagues.
• Implement leadership development programs to demonstrate your commitment to facilitating successful career transitions and maintaining high standards of quality and success.
• Create safe spaces for aspiring leaders to develop and practice their skills. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and stretch assignments, when clearly defined with SMART objectives, can be particularly effective.
• Business Bonus: Your customers will notice and appreciate these efforts, and your recruitment team will gain a compelling advantage in attracting top talent. It's a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Call to Action: Join RoothConsulting in building a brighter future by investing in our leaders today. Encourage mentorship, support continuous learning, and help us create an environment where everyone can thrive. For support, connect with us on LinkedIn or visit our website.

As Steve Jobs said, "Leadership is about inspiring people to do things they never thought they could."

For more insights:

• Moving From Doer to Leader: The Top Challenges - Thoughtful Leader
• 4 Traps to Avoid as You Transition into a Leadership Role