Leadership: 5 Potential Hazards Facing New Leaders
You have just got your fist leadership role. Chances are you are excited, elated and feeling generally positive. At the same time you know that becoming leader brings with it many new challenges and hazard that you need to be alert to.
Hazard 1: Self Doubt
You have got o the level of leader because you are good at what you do, have demonstrated achievement and potential for the future. Yet you know that it is a big step. Some people I know have described it as being back on the bottom rung of the ladder again. Recognise that there will always be doubt and fear when you move into a leadership role and this is totally natural.
Hazard 2: Being Swayed By The Most Vocal
When you move into a leadership role you will have no shortage of people ready to tell you what to do, what not to do, who to avoid, who to get on with to name just a few. As a new leader you need to take the time to do your fact finding rather than just relying on those with most to say.
Hazard 3: Making Being Liked The No 1 Priority
In any situation there will be people who will support you, others who will block you and some who will jump either way depending on the issue. Remember that each time you take a decision it will be popular with some but not with others. Take decisions in terms of what is likely to give the best result rather than being the most popular.
Hazard 4: Dismissing The Past
You probably want to make changes as a new leader. Trouble is most people don’t like change. The poor leader will be critical and dismissive of the past and what happened previously. The good leader by contrast will still make changes but at the same time try to bring good elements from the past forward.
Hazard 5: Not Taking Control Of Your Time
One of the biggest challenges of any leader is getting everything done and it can sometimes feel like you are drowning. Being an effective leader starts with highly effective self leadership and taking control of your time is a huge contributor.
What other hazards would you add to the list?
About the Author Duncan Brodie
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.