From Peer to Leader: How to Navigate the Challenges of Managing a Team

You just got promoted! As you pop the champagne to celebrate this milestone, reality sets in. You’re no longer just responsible for your tasks; now, you’re managing and leading a team, including your former colleagues. Transitioning from being a peer to a leader can feel daunting, but don’t worry—this guide will help you navigate this exciting yet challenging journey.

Mindset Shift: Understand the Strategy

Life was easier when your focus was solely on completing tasks. But as a leader, you need to shift your thinking from task-oriented to strategy-oriented. Instead of just knowing what needs to be done, you now need to understand why it needs to be done and how it aligns with your company’s broader goals.

Action Steps:

Learn the company’s strategy: Familiarize yourself with its mission, vision, and key objectives.
Connect the dots: Understand how your team’s work contributes to the overall strategy.
Communicate the why: Share the bigger picture with your team to inspire and motivate them.

By aligning your team’s efforts with organizational goals, you’ll create a sense of purpose and direction.

Learn How to Delegate

You’ve been promoted because you excel at getting things done. However, leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself. You may feel tempted to take over tasks because you think the team’s output isn’t up to your standards. Resist that urge!

How to Master Delegation:

Start small: Begin by delegating less critical tasks to build trust and assess capabilities.
Know your team: Understand each team member’s strengths and weaknesses to assign tasks effectively.
Set clear expectations: Clearly define the desired outcomes, deadlines, and any necessary resources.
Provide support: Offer guidance, but don’t micromanage. Let your team take ownership of their work.
Give feedback: Acknowledge good work and provide constructive feedback to help them grow.

Delegation isn’t just about offloading work; it’s about empowering your team and creating opportunities for them to shine.

Language Change: From Me to We

As an individual contributor, you’ve likely focused on your own performance. Now, success is about the team. Shift your language from “me” to “we” to foster collaboration and shared ownership.

Tips for Collaboration:

Use inclusive language: Replace phrases like “I achieved” with “We achieved.”
Celebrate team wins: Recognize and appreciate collective efforts.
Encourage open communication: Create an environment where everyone feels heard and valued.

Collaboration is the foundation of a high-performing team, and it starts with how you communicate.

Cultivate Self-Awareness

What kind of leader are you? Understanding your strengths and weaknesses is crucial for personal growth and effective leadership.

Reflect on These Questions:

What are my key strengths as a leader?
What areas do I need to improve?
How do I react under pressure, and how does that affect my team?

Action Steps:

Seek feedback: Ask your team, peers, or mentors for honest input on your leadership style.
Take assessments: Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or CliftonStrengths can provide valuable insights.
Develop a growth mindset: Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and improve.

Self-awareness allows you to lead authentically and adapt to the needs of your team.

Ask Good Questions and Listen

As a new leader, you might feel the pressure to have all the answers. Let me demystify that for you: no one expects you to solve every problem. Instead, focus on asking the right questions.

Why This Matters:

Your team has the knowledge and expertise to find solutions. By asking thoughtful questions, you’ll empower them to think critically and creatively.

“Of all the skills of leadership, listening is the most valuable — and one of the least understood.” – Peter Nulty

How to Get Started:

Be curious: Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think we should do?” or “How can we improve this process?”
Listen actively: Show genuine interest in their responses. Avoid interrupting or jumping to conclusions.
Follow up: Encourage them to take action based on their ideas and provide support as needed.

Great leaders don’t tell—they ask and listen. This approach fosters trust, innovation, and a sense of ownership within the team.

Conclusion: Your Leadership Journey Starts Here

Stepping into a leadership role is both challenging and rewarding. By shifting your mindset, mastering delegation, fostering collaboration, cultivating self-awareness, and asking good questions, you’ll become a confident and effective leader. Remember, leadership is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the process, and don’t be afraid to seek support along the way.

Your Call to Action:

Reflect on your current leadership challenges and identify one area to work on this week.
Practice delegating a task today and set clear expectations with your team.
Schedule a feedback session with a trusted mentor or colleague to gain insights into your leadership style.

Your team is counting on you, and with the right mindset and tools, you’ve got this!