Congrats on Your Promotion! Here’s How to Prepare
Posted March 21st, 2017
It happened: You landed your first leadership position. Not only is this an exciting time, but it is also a challenging one. You are entering a world that you haven’t experienced before and one with which you may not be overly familiar. But, you want to make sure you make a good first impression as you step into your new role, and that alone can produce some anxiety.
While it is important to know that everything might not go exactly to plan as you being your time as a part of the leadership team, you can prepare before you head through the door that first day. To help you get off on the right foot, here are some tips for your first few days.
Understand it will be Awkward
Being promoted into a leadership position with your current company is going to cause some tension. You are going to see, and possible lead, people who you worked with before. This clear change in dynamic makes for some confusion and may even include a bit of resentment. Your former coworkers might not know how to respond to you are an authority figure, and some may feel they were more deserving of the chance than you.
While you can’t prepare for every potential type of interaction, knowing that some awkwardness will ensue helps prevent you from being caught off guard. In time, what now seems like a change will become part of the new norm. Just approach every conversation with professionalism and confidence, and not obsessing over the negatives, and you’ll make it to the other side.
Mistakes will Happen
Stepping into any new position means a misstep is likely, regardless of how long you worked for the company before being promoted. Understanding that a mistake is almost inevitable can make it feel more manageable when it does. If you commit an error, take ownership of it. Then, consider it a learning experience that comes with the new job title and work to make sure that misstep doesn’t happen again.
It is important to recognize that you can’t know everything about being a leader in the company from the beginning. Just be prepared to handle them professionally, make corrections swiftly, and move forward to the next challenge that arrives.
Popularity Isn’t Guaranteed
As a leader, you will have to make choices in your business area. And, even if you make the right decision, that doesn’t mean it will be popular. Employees often have their own ideas regarding what they would have preferred to see done, but it is your job to handle these issues. As long as you reviewed the facts, considered your options, and made an appropriate call, stand by your decision.
Over time, employees will feel more secure in your leadership. While some resistance to your choices may always be there, it will likely lessen as you earn the trust of your staff.
If you are looking for more advice about transitioning into a leadership role or a looking to hire new employees in your area, Bayside Solutions can help you on your journey. Contact us to see how our services can be a smart choice for you.
