A couple of weeks ago, I was on a coaching call and my client asked how he could better prepare himself for a promotion into a more strategic role.
We had a vivid conversation about what it will take in his particular role and because I knew that this is a very important question for many of you as well, I recorded this short video afterward.
Have a look HERE.
Now, to expand on it, I’m taking this article as an opportunity to add a bit more meat to the bone.
Because something that worked getting your current role does not necessarily mean it will work in getting that next role. Oftentimes, reaching this next level is actually about letting go of certain skills and developing new ones.
Unfortunately, most people aren’t sure how to go out it what the challenges are that need to be overcome.
Here are my top 5 tips on how to succeed at that next level in your leadership career.
1. Change Focus
Moving up the ladder requires changing focus. Just like changing lenses on a camera to get wider angles and broader views, so is management practice. While some leadership behaviors may have gotten you promoted, not all fit the new role.
Be sure to adjust to the bigger and bigger view you need to adapt as you’re climbing the ladder.
2. Shift Away From The ‘Doer’ Mentality
The number one obstacle as people move into their first, second or even third leadership position is ineffective delegation coupled with the limitations of their previous successes as “doers.”
What got you to this level (most likely your expertise and execution) is woefully insufficient without delegation, vision, strategy, and communication.
3. Move From Problem-Solving To Opportunity-Seeking
The top issue is thinking and behaving differently. Individual contributors are paid for problem-solving and high performance in a discrete area.
At the leadership level, you need to intentionally work the brain’s right hemisphere much more heavily. Inspiration, ideas, new opportunities, and adaptability are essential for leaders to master.
4. Embrace The “Lead By Example” Attitude
Having a strong “lead by example” mentality is a vital component of success in any leadership role because of the larger effects you are having on your team members and even beyond.
Many people are now looking up to you for guidance and a sense of direction on how to behave.
5. Set Yourself Up For Success
The transition from individual contributor to manager and leader (and from lower to mid-management) must come with comprehensive training. You will need a whole new skill set, a new set of perspectives and a new mindset to succeed.
Take it seriously and invest in training and coaching to speed up the learning curve and avoid the common pitfalls that so many managers in transitions make and then regret.
If you want to learn more about how I help my clients successfully transition into their new roles, then let’s get on a call and get crystal clear on what the bridge looks like that you need to cross and how to get to the other side faster and easier.
