I Was Promoted to Leader and Did Everything Wrong in the First 6 Months
A new leader reveals the classic mistakes that nearly destroyed his team — and what he learned from each one.
This account came from a coachee during one of our first sessions: "I was promoted to a leadership role and did everything wrong in the first six months. I thought leadership was about power. About having the final word. About controlling everything. About showing who's in charge. The result? Three resignation requests in 90 days. From the best people on the team."
In fact, most employees don't resign from the company — they resign from their direct manager. According to studies published by Hay Group on organizational climate surveys, the impact of a direct leader's style on a team accounts for up to 70% of that team's performance and satisfaction with the company. In other words, our role as leaders and our responsibility toward our teams is enormous.
LEADERSHIP IS NOT ABOUT POWER. IT'S ABOUT RESPONSIBILITY.
True leadership doesn't impose, doesn't control, doesn't overshadow. It serves, inspires, and builds together.
Drawing on my more than 30 years of experience leading teams and 10 years as an executive Coach and Mentor, I have put together a list of 5 attitudes a leader should embrace to successfully engage their team:
- LEADERSHIP IS SERVICE
The best leader I ever had asked me on my first day: "What do you need to do your best work?" He didn't tell me what to do. He removed obstacles. A leader is not above the team. They are at the team's service. - LEADERSHIP IS EXAMPLE
Your team doesn't do what you say. They do what you do. Want punctuality? Arrive first. Want commitment? Be the most committed person in the room. Your actions shout. Your words whisper. - LEADERSHIP IS INSPIRATION
Managing is saying "go." Leading is saying "let's go." It's making people believe they are capable of something greater than they ever thought possible. - LEADERSHIP IS TRUST
Without trust, there is no team. There is only a group of people living in fear. Trust is not demanded. It is built — through consistency, transparency, and character. Every single day. - LEADERSHIP IS DEVELOPMENT
Before letting someone go, make sure you have:
Trained them
Given feedback
Corrected course
Monitored their progress. After that, make your decision.
A leader's job is not to create followers. It's to create other leaders. Invest in your team's development. It is the highest-ROI investment there is.
