Help! I need to develop leadership skills!

So you just got promoted! Congratulations!

This is what you wanted right? A chance to really grow into a leadership position and show your stuff. So exciting!

Except that you can really feel those butterflies flapping around in your stomach, and anxiety creeping in. That familiar gremlin: imposter syndrome is settling in to take residence.

If any of you don’t know what imposter syndrome is, well, we have all experienced this at some point or another in our lives.

Basically, Imposter syndrome occurs when you don’t feel you deserve success or you lack the skills to achieve it.

It is completely understandable that you might feel this way when taking on a new role as a leader but don’t worry!

You got this!

Here are a few suggestions for you as you grow into your new role.

1. Have a clear vision right from the start.

You were hired because of your unique skill set and your potential to be a good leader. So get clear on where you want you and your team to go and share that vision.

Of course, you don’t want to march in and just change everything overnight. Look for ways to be authentic and show people your vision for the future.

2. Be a good listener.

The importance of listening is often overlooked. Yet people feel valued when you listen to them, and if your team feel appreciated they will feel really connect with you. Believe me, they will be so much more productive!

Even if you are incredibly busy, take time to sit down and listen to 100 percent to your colleague who is looking to you for support. By truly listening you will be developing a relationship of trust with your team which will bring great rewards in the long run!

3. Try not to micromanage.

It is very easy to fall into the habit of micromanaging the members of your team.

This may because you feel that if mistakes are made, this may reflect badly on you. Or, it may be a desire to control everything that is going on. The reality is that this strategy will backfire.

Why? Nobody likes to be micromanaged! You need to trust your team to be professional and get the work done.

If there is an issue that does come up, of course, you will have to take action but when your team feels empowered, there is a greater chance they will get the work done.

So be confident! You have the skills to be a great leader. Change your mindset today, visualize your success and get started in your new role!

Still, have questions? Contact me if you need more help!

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