After years of lower level leadership positions, I was anxious for the big time. I could envision myself in the big chair, issuing orders, solving problems, and just generally making the organization, if not the world, a much better place. Nothing would faze me and I would be loved by all. Then one day my opportunity came. This was what I had been waiting for. Bring it on!
By the end of the first day I realized that 1) the experience and training I had received up to that point was helpful and without it I would be a complete failure, and 2) I wasn’t nearly as ready as I thought I was. The experience, and those which followed, were terrific. I wouldn’t trade them for anything, even though they were often humbling, and I never seemed to be as ready as I thought I was.
I am glad I had the experience leading up to each new adventure because it prepared me for those things I wasn’t expecting. I’ve found there are six elements which helped me better prepare for each new leadership role.
- Know yourself. If you’ve had any good leadership training, you’ve probably gone through some type of exercise to become more aware of your own strengths and weaknesses. Apply that again with your new job in mind. You don’t necessarily have to be a technical expert to lead an organization, but you do have to know where you are weak and what strengths compensate for that limitation.
- Know everything possible about the organization and the responsibilities of the position you will occupy. Be careful here. There will be plenty of people who are itching to tell you what is wrong with your new organization. Some have valid points, but many will have an ax to grind and will not be particularly reliable sources. Do your own research and trust your instincts.
- Use the full measure of your experience, but don’t assume this organization will be just like the last one. What worked before may or may not work in the new situation. If you try a one-size-fits-all leadership style, people will sense that you do not see them as different from the last group and assume you don’t really care that much about them as individuals.
- Make sure everyone in the organization knows your vision and the organization’s mission. Also, ensure they understand how they are vital to that mission’s success.
- Don’t take yourself too seriously. You’re going to make mistakes, maybe even big ones. Be quick to take responsibility and admit to those errors. People know you aren’t perfect but they want to know that you know that as well. Not everything is funny, but in general it pays to have a good sense of humor.
- Understand that something is going to come out of left field and whack you. While you should know that will happen at some point, don’t live in fear. Rather, expect it as part of the job and deal with the issue. Then move on. Resist the urge to start placing blame for something you maybe should have seen coming, but didn’t. It happens to all leaders at some point. How you handle it is a true measure of your character.
Take on that new job; that increased responsibility. You’re never as ready as you want to be, but follow these six steps and you’ll be okay.
Bob Mason is dedicated to leadership development. He works with companies to solve problems by helping supervisors and managers become more effective leaders leading more productive teams. He is a professional speaker and author of Don’t Worry, You Can Do This: What New Supervisors and Managers Need to Know About Leadership; The Art of Not Motivating: How Leaders Can Succeed by Understanding the True Nature of Motivation; Balancing the Generations: A Leader’s Guide to the Complex, Multi-Generational, 21st Century Workplace; and Planning to Excel: Strategic Planning That Works.
A 30-year career in the U.S. Air Force exposed him to great leaders and leadership opportunities such as command of four squadrons, including the Air Force’s largest munitions squadron. He has studied leadership extensively, but more importantly has been there, working with real people, making hard decisions, and experiencing the results.
Contact Bob at Bob@BobMasonSpeaker.com or 505-453-5266
