Stepping into a new leadership role is an exhilarating and challenging journey. You might be finding yourself, or someone you’ve recently promoted, feeling a little lost when it comes their new role, a new set of expectations, and a new set of responsibilities. Everyone experiences these emotions, even experienced leaders. 

This exciting transition into leadership brings a mix of excitement, apprehension, self-doubt and anticipation. Understanding these feelings and knowing how to channel them effectively can make all the difference in your leadership journey.  

Some emotions you may experience are: 

• Excitement and motivation: The thrill of a new role is undeniable. This excitement is a powerful motivator and a great energy to bring as you begin your leadership journey. 

• Apprehension and doubt: It’s natural to feel a twinge of fear or doubt. Am I ready for this? Can I meet expectations? What if I’m not doing a good job? These questions often linger in the minds of new leaders. Remember, feeling uncertain doesn’t mean you’re not capable; it simply means you care about your new responsibilities. 

• Overwhelm and pressure: Balancing strategic decisions, team dynamics, and personal performance can create significant pressure. Acknowledge this pressure as a sign of growth – it’s pushing you to expand your capabilities and develop new skills. 

• Imposter syndrome: This isn’t something to be feared or intimated by. Recognise that this is a common experience and that your promotion is a testament to your abilities and potential. Approaching your new role with a mindset of learning and understanding that you don’t know what you don’t know, will go far in utilising those feelings for good. 

With those emotions in play, we’re here to help guide you through them with our top 7 strategies that you can implement on a daily basis. 

7 Strategies to Overcome Your Jitters 

1. Embrace a Growth Mindset 

Understand that leadership is a journey of continuous learning. Mistakes are not failures but opportunities to learn and grow. Embrace feedback and seek out learning experiences that can enhance your leadership skills. 

How to embrace a growth mindset in your day-to-day leadership role?: 

• Regularly ask for feedback from your team and peers 
• Approach all new challenges with an open mind 
• Understand the power of ‘what’ questions 

2. Build Strong Relationships 

Leadership is about people. Invest time in getting to know your team members, understand their strengths, and build trust. Strong relationships are the foundation of effective leadership and a cohesive team. 

How to build stronger relationships with your team: 

• Schedule one-on-one meetings with team members and get to know them on a deeper level by asking curious questions 
• Maintain an open-door policy to encourage spontaneous interactions and build trust 
• Incorporate team-building activities into your routine, such as lunch outings or collaborative projects 
• Seek and provide feedback 
• Give recognition 

3. Set Clear Goals 

Define what success looks like for you and your team. Clear, achievable (SMART) goals provide direction and motivation. Break these goals down into manageable steps and celebrate milestones along the way. Discuss these goals regularly, keeping your team engaged and motivated. 

How to set and achieve goals: 

• Start each day by prioritising tasks that align with your goals 
• Use a project management tool to track progress and ensure tasks are on schedule 
• Recognise and celebrate small achievements regularly 

Read more: Unlocking the Behaviour Blocks that Prevent you from Reaching your Goals 

4. Prioritise Self-Care 

Leadership demands can be intense, making self-care essential. As a leader, you are now also showing up for your team. A consistent leadership approach shows your team that you are trustworthy and stable, meaning you can support them better. Ensure you allocate time for rest, exercise, and activities that recharge you. Remember, a healthy leader is more resilient and effective. 

How to prioritise self-care and wellbeing: 

• Establish a morning routine that includes exercise, meditation, or a healthy breakfast 
• Be vulnerable and honest with your team. Consider sharing a current challenge you’re experiencing 
• Set boundaries around work time and personal time 
• Incorporate mindfulness practices like deep breathing or short breaks throughout the day 

5. Seek Support 

Don’t hesitate to seek support from mentors, peers, or a leadership coach. Engaging with others who have faced similar challenges can provide valuable insights and reassurance. An objective opinion is invaluable when it comes to working through challenges or brainstorming ideas. 

How to seek support from those around you: 

• Schedule regular check-ins with a mentor to discuss challenges and gain advice 
• Seek support from your leader, asking specific questions to gain insights and clarity on something you’re experiencing 
• Enrol in a coaching program like Unlocking Leadership Potential for tailored and structured support 

6. Communicate Effectively 

Develop strong communication skills to articulate your vision, provide feedback, and listen to your team’s concerns. Effective communication fosters transparency and collaboration. It is a core soft skill that is non-negotiable when it comes to leadership fundamentals.  

How to ensure you’re communicating effectively on a daily basis: 

• Hold brief stand-up meetings daily to ensure everyone is aligned 
• Practice active listening by giving your full attention to the speaker and asking clarifying questions 
• Always ask ‘what’ questions 
• Create a culture of regular, constructive feedback within your team 

7. Reflect and Tweak 

Regularly reflect on your experiences and tweak your strategies as needed. Reflection helps you identify what’s working, what isn’t, and how you can improve. 

How to identify areas for improvement: 

• Spend 10 minutes at the end of each day reviewing what went well and what could be improved 
• Make necessary adjustments to your strategies and plans each week based on your reflections 
• Stay open to new methods and tools that can enhance your leadership effectiveness 
• Seek feedback from a variety of peers and team members, asking specific questions 

Unlocking Your Potential 

Your new role as a leader is a significant milestone, filled with opportunities for personal and professional growth. By acknowledging your emotions, seeking support, and implementing effective strategies, you can navigate this transition with confidence and clarity. Our “Unlocking Leadership Potential” coaching program is here to support you every step of the way, providing the tools and guidance you need to truly reach your potential. 

Remember, great leaders are not born; they are made through conscious effort, learning, and dedication. Embrace your journey, invest in your development, and watch as you unlock your full leadership potential.