In a recent coaching session with a client, my advice was to relax into their new leadership role. This client isn’t a new leader; they are leading a new team. The feedback they received from their leader and team was positive; however, they felt slightly nervous and apprehensive in this new role. They wanted to make a positive impression on their team and peers. They also wanted to demonstrate progress and achievement and show others that they had settled in well.
Risk alert… In trying too hard, we stuff it up.
Why? We forget to trust ourselves. We rely on what others tell us rather than what we know. We relinquish power and control. We forget that the source of truth is within us rather than external to us.
There is lots out there on the 90-day plan, the first 6 months, and how to make the best impression in your first few months in a new role. Some of these resources come with well-meaning advice on approaching a new role best. Whilst effective, I don’t think there’s a one size fits all approach when it comes to creating the best impression in your new role. I also believe that the unique approach to knowing how to navigate this can only come from one person, you.
In increasing our self-awareness, it is worth taking on feedback and being tuned in to how other’s experience us. However, we have a choice in whether we take on any feedback. Some will be useful, and some won’t. If you take it all on, you give away your power of choice. If you ignore all of it, you limit your ability for increased self-awareness and growth. Taking on what you want and need mindfully will increase your self-awareness and be empowering as you have made choices.
How do we settle into a new role? Particularly a leadership role? The best thing you can do in any leadership role at any time is relax and be YOU. You have been promoted or selected for the role because of what you bring. Your uniqueness, your experience, your personality, and your approach. The more you can relax in the role, the more your qualities will shine through. This will increase your impact and your effectiveness in the role.
Comparititus is a shocking ailment. If one is diagnosed with this, they will find that they are forever comparing themselves to others. They will be on guard for what others are doing and/or not doing, and they have less time to focus on themselves, their value, and what they bring. A simple and effective treatment for this is to relax and be YOU. Be self-aware, be conscious of others and how you can effectively lead them, be clear on your goals and what you are there to achieve, and RELAX.
You are good enough, where you need to be, and earned your position because of what you bring. Now relax and enjoy!
Rita Cincotta coaches, facilitates and speaks on individual and team performance, leadership development, resilience and new ways of working. She works with organisations to develop human centred solutions that help people and businesses to thrive.