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For many new leaders, the thrill of a promotion is curbed by concerns about former peers. Will they hold a grudge? Will they get on board with your vision? And do you have what it takes to lead them? Here are our pro tips to make the transition from peer to leader.
1. Get a Few Quick Wins
In his book The First 90 Days, author Michael Watkins offers tips to make a good first impression as leader, energize your new team and build confidence in your ability to do the job.
- Identify a few key problems or opportunities with operational or financial benefits. (Say, removing a bottleneck that’s holding up productivity.)
- Work out your boss’s priorities and address them. (Ultimately, you answer to him/her.)
- Develop a plan to achieve your projects. Who’ll drive them? What actions will they take? What resources will they need? [1]
Top tip: Stay focused on a few projects. Many new leaders fail because they try to do too much too soon.
2. Enlist the Help of Your Team
Recruiting former peers to help you achieve some quick wins is a great way to give them responsibility – and get them on your side. A recent study from the University of Birmingham confirms the link between employee autonomy and job satisfaction. [2]
But delegating does more than keep your new team happy. As best-selling author Seth Godin writes, "Leadership is the art of giving people a platform for spreading ideas that work." [3]
Team meetings are a great forum to bring out these ideas. And leading discussions will acclimatize colleagues to seeing you as boss. What’s more, when individuals give their support in front of the group, they’re more likely to commit. [4]
Top tip: Ask each team member – in private, then publicly – for your support.
3. Develop the Expertise of Your People
As their former peer, you’ll know the skillsets of your new team better than anyone. This will help you slot people into the right roles. If any individuals lack the skills needed to get the job done, it’s now your responsibility to help them grow.
You may have been promoted to a leadership position because of your specialisms. But, as a Gallup study reveals, the engagement of your employees lies in developing their skillsets. (In fact, it can account for as much as 70% of their engagement.)
In the report, researchers reveal that successful leaders have an "inherent talent for managing — including their ability to foster positive relationships with their team members while keeping them motivated and focused on outcomes that are both meaningful and attainable". [5]
Top tip: Hold one-to-one meetings and ask your team what they need from you. Then listen, take notes and follow up on what you promise.
4. Praise your People (and do it Often)
Shifting focus from your specialisms to those of your team is a great way to turn the microscope away from you as a new leader. Another technique is to praise your former peers.
For the author of The One Minute Manager, Ken Blanchard, "the key to developing employees and building a great organization is to wander around and catch people doing things right". [6]
By publicly acknowledging the good work of others, you’ll boost their self-confidence and show your team the values you want to champion under your leadership.
Top tip: be timely, specific and public with your praise.
5. Ask for The Help of Your New Peers
Now you’re a leader, you have a whole new network of peers to tap into. As leadership coach Lizabeth Czepiel says, "Becoming a leader, especially to former peers, can be challenging. Doubt and frustration may arise during this time both for you and your team. Seek out a trusted mentor for support and guidance, so you feel confident setting boundaries as a new manager and paving the way as the new leader." [7]
Top tip: Find a mentor who has successfully made the transition from peer to leader – and pick their brains.
Finally, remember why you got promoted in the first place. Your skills, values and character all influenced the decision. So, you don’t have to change your personality overnight along with your new job title. If in doubt while finding your feet as leader; be yourself.
References[1] Michael Watkins, ‘Establish Credibility in a New Job’ (2013). Available
here (accessed 30 July 2023).
[2] University of Birmingham, ‘Autonomy in the workplace has positive effects on well-being and job satisfaction, study finds’ (2017). Available
here (accessed 30 July 2023).
[3] Maren Fox, ‘5 Leadership Quotes from Progressive Thinkers that Your Business Should Embrace’ (2017). Available
here (accessed 30 July 2023).
[4] Forbes Coaches Council, ‘Got Promoted? Here's How To Handle The Transition From Peer To Leader’ (2018). Available
here (accessed 30 July 2023).
[5] Gallup, ‘State of the Global Workplace’ (2017). P123 Free download
here (accessed 30 July 2023).
[6] ‘Catch People Doing Something Right’ (2017). Available
here (accessed 30 July 2023).
[7] Forbes Coaches Council, ‘Got Promoted? Here's How To Handle The Transition From Peer To Leader’ (2018). Available
here (accessed 30 July 2023).
