Generally the very first time we get given a leadership role it is leading a small business team. If we are lucky we may experience the dynamics leading a sports team, or in a senior leadership role at school or in a group outside of work. In general I find that it just happens suddenly as a natural progression in the work environment. There is no training…..one day you are a senior member of the team, the next you are leading it.
No one prepares you for the change. Friends and peers are now working for you & suddenly you are expected to achieve team goals, manage performance and too often deal with conflict. Working with newly promoted team leaders and first time managers/leaders we find the biggest challenge they face is (bar none) is that of confronting issues that arise within the team. Those tough conversations with one time peers when confronting behaviour that impacts on the team achieving goals. Eight Common Pitfalls for New Managers is a document that we put together (at The Results Group) which has helped many to understand what has “changed” since they were promoted to lead their first team. In fact it has served to remind even long time leaders of some of the things they need to be aware of.
Supporting first time leaders to make the jump, to be aware of the pitfalls and to be able to confront challenging issues is the role of a mentor & senior Manager/Leader in the business and whilst not costly in terms of time or money, is often simply not prioritised.
How are you preparing your people to lead? How are you supporting them to make the jump? Is your Business culture a high performing one that guides, supports and develops leaders to take care of your most important asset…..your people?
