Ever feel like you’re not yet the manager you’re supposed to be? I felt that way every time I moved into a new leadership role.
When you move into a new role, there are two different thoughts that can compete for your attention. The first is, “I’m the only one who doesn’t know what I’m doing.” And the other is, “I finally got the position I deserve!”
Those may sound like opposites, but both thoughts can happen at the same time.
And there are two truths to keep in mind to help keep those thoughts in balance. First, there’s a reason your organization chose you for this role. And second, there’s a reason they didn’t put you there earlier.
When you’re starting out in a new level of leadership responsibility, most people aren’t expecting you to show superior skills. At least not yet. Projecting a confidence that exceeds your competence can erode what trust you may have. Humility is helpful here to acknowledge what you have yet to learn.
But don’t let that humility swing too far the other way when someone gives you corrective feedback. Don’t respond as a weak or deflated incompetent leader. Instead, recognize that the fact that someone is willing to give you corrective feedback is evidence that they believe in you. They believe you’re capable of accepting the correction and becoming the kind of leader who is genuinely skilled at the level you’re now operating.
So – confidence and humility are both important as you grow into expanding leadership roles. And if you’d like to discover additional insight along your current path of growth, let’s talk. Visit stevedwire.com/talk to start the conversation.
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