Getting Started

Any new opportunity comes with fears and doubts. This has never been more true than at the moment. 

I recently was lucky enough to move from an individual contributor into a management position. During my career, I have had many senior management roles, I have even run my own start-ups but never have I worked in a company like the one I currently work in which is overflowing with incredible talent, such commitment to it's principals and such a laser focus on execution.  

I am just a week into the new role and I am faced with all the same emotions, doubts and fears I had on day one as an individual contributor. But this time people are looking to me for leadership, for guidance, confidence and knowledge. I am just the new kid on the block with no idea really how to deliver any of those things in the environment I'm in. I know I'll figure it out.....I always do. 

If there was ever a time that the imposter syndrome felt real, it is now. 

Where does one start?

Today, when I reflect on what it means to be a leader I have come to realise that it doesn't mean that I know exactly what to do, what to say or how to act in each and every situation. Whilst many people may have such expectations of themselves and even those around them, these expectations are unrealistic. In the long term they are likely to either burn you out or burn bridges as you will undoubtedly fail at some point or disappoint someone.

How I manage these expectations is going to be key to the long term success of my team. 

What it does mean however, is that I should be confident in my experience and abilities in de-composing the issues, pull apart a problem and more importantly how to step back and take an unbiased, open minded view of the challenge that my team or I face. 

Having just attended a number of management meetings, I now see that the passion, commitment and deep respect for our staff is central to the business. Their success is my success.

I am to be an advocate, a coach and a leader.