Navigating the Trials of a First-Time Leader (Part 2)

“Wait… did I miss a leadership manual somewhere?”. This is the question I posed in part 1 of this blog. Newly promoted leaders go through this same cycle. The first few weeks (or months) in a leadership role feel confusing, overwhelming, unpredictable - lonely!  But like any experienced leader  will tell you, there are ways to make it through.

Here are three things that can help you navigate the transition from individual contributor to team leader;

1. Do Not Panic 

I know—it sounds cliché. But the first rule of leadership is the same: panic will only make things worse.

When you are  navigating a team for the first time, there will be moments where you don’t know what to do. You will be asked a question you cannot  answer. A deadline will creep up unexpectedly.  In such moments, Pause. Breathe. Assess.  Be curious. Ask possibility questions. Then make a decision.  Remember not taking any action is also making a decision.

2. Do not do it alone.  

Have you ever noticed that first-time drivers rarely go out alone? There is  usually someone in the passenger seat—giving instructions, calming their nerves, or at the very least, holding onto the dashboard for dear life. 😂

As a first-time leader, who is sitting next to you? Is there someone in your company who has been in your shoes and can guide you? Do you have a mentor, coach, or peer you can turn to for advice? Who can you call after a tough day and say, "I have no idea what I’m doing," and they’ll respond, "Been there, let’s talk."

Leadership can be isolating if you let it. It is easier to navigate when you have a co-driver who knows the roads better than you do.

3. Upgrade Your Skills

A learner driver cannot  stick with an “L plate” forever. If they want to drive confidently on their own, they need more practice, more knowledge, and eventually, a proper license. Leadership is the same. The skills that made you great at your old job are not the same skills that will make you a great leader. You need to upskill. Do you need to practice delegation? Are you struggling with difficult conversations? Do you know how to motivate different personalities on your team?

Leadership is a new road, with new challenges. The faster you identify what new leadership skills you need, and practice them, the easier the journey will become.

The difference between struggling and confidently navigating your leadership journey is having the right support.

That is exactly what I help first-time managers and newly promoted leaders do—transition into leadership with confidence, clarity, and practical strategies to lead their teams effectively.

You have the choice not to do it alone.

Try it. Book A Strategy Session And Let Us Explore.