One of my colleagues shared a story with me about her experience as a first-time manager. 

She didn’t have the benefit of receiving any training or coaching to help her transition into her new role. Instead, she had to jump right and with the expectation from her leaders that she would lead her team to a higher level of performance.

Leading with the best intentions, she was taken aback when an employee resigned and told her she was tougher than his drill sergeant!

I was shocked when she shared the story with me! In my interactions with her, she is smart, thoughtful, kind, curious, inclusive, friendly, supportive, diplomatic….you get it; she has a lot of positive attributes that don’t add up to the “drill sergeant” feedback.

She intended to set high standards of quality and accuracy, a necessary and important goal for an accounting function. However, her directive and hands-on leadership behavior didn’t align with the team’s needs.

When a team is underperforming, a directive approach might be necessary to quickly shift performance (and potentially weed out anyone unwilling or unable to rise to the level of performance needed). 

However, her team was performing well, and she wanted to elevate them to a higher level of performance.

So, she could achieve her goal by shifting her behavior and doing the following:

• Sharing a compelling and inspirational vision, 
• Setting clear expectations, 
• Empowering her employees to figure out how to achieve the desired results, 
• Giving timely positive and constructive feedback, and 
• Providing developmental coaching

She did her best during her leadership transition and learned from her mistakes how to become a better leader.

Transitioning from an individual contributor to a manager is difficult. 

AND YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE TO NAVIGATE IT ALONE

I wish I had known this colleague when she struggled in her new role. I would have helped her. 

Since she learned the hard way, let’s ensure others have a better experience.

This is my promise to you:

If you are facing a leadership transition, (now or ANY TIME in the future), I implore you to contact me! I will give you a COMPLIMENTARY COACHING SESSION to help you start strong.

This offer has no expiration date. 

Use it for yourself or pass it along to someone who needs to receive it.

Leadership doesn’t have to be lonely and scary. I’m here to support you through a successful transition.

Email me at amy@cambiumdevelopment.com to take advantage of this offer.

Wishing you the best!