By Gerry Murray
Making the leap from individual contributor to Team Leader can feel overwhelming. As a high performer, you’ve always been recognized for your skills, but now success means getting the best out of others. So, where do you begin?
In this article, we’ll explore:
- How to shift from individual achievement to leading a team.
- The common challenges new managers face and how to overcome them.
- Essential skills that will help you manage people and results.
Why is the Transition to Manager So Challenging?
When you’re an individual contributor, your success is measured by what you deliver. Now, as a Team Leader, your role changes: it’s not about your output anymore — it’s about your team’s. And that’s a major mental shift. Here’s why it’s so tough:
- Delegation Feels Awkward: You’re used to being the one who gets things done. Now, your job is to empower others to do the work. Letting go of tasks is not easy — especially when you know you could probably do it faster. But here’s the key: delegation isn’t about efficiency; it’s about scaling results.
- Leading Former Peers: If you’re managing a team of former colleagues, the dynamics change. You’re no longer “one of the gang” — you’re the Team Leader. Setting boundaries without damaging relationships is crucial to establishing your authority.
- Shifting to Influence: Leadership is less about controlling every detail and more about influencing, motivating, and inspiring your team to perform at their best.
This transformation isn’t just a shift in responsibilities — it’s a shift in mindset.
What Challenges Do New Managers Face?
Managing isn’t just about getting results — it’s about dealing with people. And people are complicated. Here are the common challenges new managers face, along with some advice on how to tackle them head-on:
- Managing Former Peers: One of the most awkward situations for a new manager is leading former peers. You’re now the boss, and that can create tension. Start by acknowledging the shift. Have open conversations about your new role, set expectations clearly, and most importantly — be fair and consistent in your decisions.
- Letting Go of Tasks: Delegation is often the hardest adjustment. You’ve been promoted because you’re good at what you do, but now, success depends on your team’s output — not yours. Letting go of control might feel counterintuitive, but it’s essential. Start small, delegate tasks, and trust your team to deliver. Remember, it’s your job to guide, not micromanage.
- Resisting Upward Delegation: Beware of the “monkey on the back” syndrome. What does this mean? It’s when an employee tries to hand a problem (or “monkey”) back to you. You might be tempted to take it on, thinking you can solve it faster. But here’s the truth: if you do, you’ll end up with a troop of monkeys that aren’t yours to carry. Instead, hand the monkey back. Empower your team to solve their own problems with your guidance.
What Skills Will Help You Lead People and Get Results?
Great management comes down to a few core skills. Mastering these will not only help you as a new manager but will also lay the foundation for long-term leadership success.
- Communication: Be open and transparent with your team. Regular check-ins, team meetings, and one-on-ones will help you stay connected and understand what’s working — and what’s not. Don’t wait until annual reviews to give feedback. Offer real-time advice and encouragement.
- Coaching and Feedback: Remember, it’s not just about pointing out mistakes — it’s about helping your team improve. Effective managers use feedback to coach their employees, providing specific, actionable advice that guides performance.
- Time and Focus: Managing people takes time, so you’ll need to be even more disciplined in managing your own. Set boundaries, block time for strategic thinking, and prioritize tasks that align with your team’s goals.
Master the Essentials
- Transitioning to management means shifting your focus from personal output to empowering others to achieve success.
- Learn to delegate, avoid taking on problems that belong to your team, and set clear expectations with former peers.
- Build strong communication, coaching, and time management skills to lead effectively.
This article is adapted from our Team Leader Essentials program. To learn more about this program download our brochure or book a short call.
Next Article: Building a Strong Relationship with Your Manager: A Guide for New Managers
Now that you’ve begun your journey as a Team Leader, the next key step is knowing how to manage upward — understanding your own manager’s priorities and building a strong relationship with them. Stay tuned for our next article to learn how to manage this vital relationship.
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