Congratulations! You've Been Hired as a Leader. Now What?
You’ve just landed a leadership role—congratulations! However, your new team comes with more knowledge and experience than you. Now, you're faced with a pivotal question: What do you do to earn their respect and lead effectively?
Many new leaders instinctively try to prove their worth by letting their work speak for itself. They put their heads down, focus on producing results, and hope their output will earn trust. While this approach might sound logical, it often backfires. Why? Because the real work of leadership isn’t just about tasks—it’s about relationships.
If you’re stepping into a leadership role, especially with a seasoned team, the key to success lies in looking up and seeing the people around you.
Understanding Leadership Basics
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about guiding the team toward a shared vision. Remember, you don’t have to be the smartest person in the room. Instead, focus on being the most curious, open-minded, and supportive. Your role is to empower others to bring their expertise to the table and align their efforts with the organization’s goals.
Get to Know Your Team
One of your first priorities should be building relationships. Invest time in understanding your team members' strengths, motivations, and challenges. Schedule one-on-one meetings to listen and learn:
Ask questions like:
What are you most proud of in your work?
What challenges are you currently facing?
What’s one thing you’d like to see improved?
This not only demonstrates your willingness to learn, but also shows that you value their input and expertise.
Master Communication
Effective leadership relies on clear, consistent, and open communication. Here’s how to master it:
Set expectations early. Be transparent about your leadership style, goals, and how you’d like to work with the team.
Encourage feedback. Create an environment where team members feel safe sharing ideas and concerns.
Adapt your communication style. Each team member might have different preferences—some may prefer quick check-ins, while others might appreciate more detailed discussions.
Remember, listening is just as important as talking. When your team feels heard, trust builds naturally.
Create Work Structure
While relationships are the foundation of leadership, structure gives the team direction. Without clarity and organization, even the most talented teams can flounder.
Set clear goals. Collaborate with your team to define priorities and milestones.
Establish routines. Regular check-ins, team meetings, and progress updates provide stability and ensure accountability.
Delegate effectively. Trust your team’s expertise by assigning responsibilities that align with their strengths.
Creating structure doesn’t mean micromanaging; it means providing the framework for your team to thrive.
The Bottom Line
Leadership isn’t about doing all the work yourself—it’s about creating the environment for others to succeed. By understanding leadership basics, getting to know your team, mastering communication, and establishing a work structure, you can build trust and guide your team toward collective success.
As a new leader, remember this: Your team’s success is your success. When you focus on relationships, communication, and clarity, you’ll demonstrate not only that you were the right hire, but also that you’re the right leader.