Stepping into a management role for the first time isn’t just a change of task — it’s a fundamental shift of identity.
To be successful, new managers must transition from getting the work done themselves to getting the work done through other people. This requires a new level of self-awareness, an additional range of skills, and a new perspective that redefines success.
If you’re a new manager, your definition of success must now include the success of others. Rather than focusing on your own performance, you need to be considering questions such as:
- How does the group or team accomplish its work?
- Are they effective as individuals?
- Do they collaborate?
- Are team members committed and engaged?
- How are individual motivations and needs connected to the work and the organization?
You may find it counterintuitive that the “script” you’ve had in your head and relied upon until now — “my skills, my talents, and my technical knowledge have led to my success” — is no longer your ticket to success as a new leader. In fact, sticking to that same script will actually make you less effective as a new leader.
