“When I first went from regular employee to manager, I knew exactly how to step into my new role and lead my team…”
…said no leader ever!!!
More often, it’s the opposite.
You step into your role, then maybe you start to realize…
“I didn’t get trained for this.”
“I’m confident in my work but not in my team.”
“I don’t want to let my team down, but I don’t know what I’m doing.”
Last week I addressed these issues in an article for The Produce News, sharing my perspectives on…
- The leadership skill gap in new managers
- How to nurture teams instead of limiting them
- Why every leader needs coaching skills
- What it means to take a ‘coach approach’
- And how to make your team members shine!
The Takeaway: Lift Your Team Instead of Limiting
After coaching hundreds of leaders, I’ve noticed the same repeating pattern: Many leaders limit their teams without even realizing it.
So, if you don’t have time to read the full article right now, I have two main takeaways to help you lift your team instead of limiting:
- Identify your ‘blind spots’. We all have our own personal ‘blind spots’ where we might think we’re doing the right thing, but our actions are actually hurting the team. That’s why it is so helpful to get advice from a coach or someone else who can broaden your perspective, and help you see what you’re missing. Self-awareness is the first step to change!
- Develop a ‘coach approach’. Every leader should learn basic coaching skills. It’s the difference between just pushing your team to perform versus actually coming alongside your team to foster success. Shifting your leadership style from advising to coaching will make a huge difference in team motivation and growth.
Remember, you’re not alone in your leadership struggles!
I wrote this article not to discourage you, but to share advice from my own personal story, as well as from the clients I have worked with. I am extremely grateful to The Produce News for sharing these tips for leaders who may be going through the same struggles I experienced in my first leadership role.
Upcoming Opportunity: Thriving Leaders Circle
If you were promoted or appointed to your first leadership role within the past few years—and it feels like you’ve been tossed into the deep end of the pool without a life preserver—then you may want to learn more about Thriving Leaders Circle!
TLC is my leadership coaching program and community, designed to help you develop and practice your leadership skills within a small, tight-knit group. You’ll discover how to take a ‘coach approach’ to leadership, and apply coaching skills to every aspect of your role—from meetings to delegation to work conflicts.
The next Thriving Leaders Circle cohort is beginning in a few weeks, and is a year-long journey with a different leadership focus each month. If you are interested in learning more or joining, just reply to this email and I will be happy to walk you through the program details!