How to navigate your first steps into leadership

Taking your first steps into a leadership role can be both exciting and challenging. Here, we’ll take a research-informed look at the key steps and the mindset shifts needed to hit the ground running. 

The first steps

Stepping into leadership for the first time is like setting out on a journey without a clear map. You know where you need to go, but not necessarily how to get there. The shift from being one of the team to leading it is one of the most significant transitions you will face in your professional career.

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Leadership is not simply a change in title – it’s a fundamental shift in role and responsibility. Suddenly, you’re not just accountable for your own work, but also for the performance, motivation and well-being of an entire group. This can be overwhelming.

Consider this: yesterday, you were in the trenches with your colleagues, commiserating over tight deadlines and celebrating wins. Today, you’re expected to set those deadlines, inspire your team to meet them and manage the delicate balance of authority and approachability. It’s a transition that can leave even the most competent professional questioning their ability.

But what if we looked at leadership not as a destination, but as a journey? A series of steps, decisions and learning experiences that, when applied thoughtfully, can transform you into a leader who not only manages, but also inspires.

Understanding the role of a leader

It’s important to understand that authority and leadership are two different things. Yes, you have the power to assign tasks, make decisions and even reprimand, but these actions alone do not make you a leader. Leadership is about influence, trust and respect.

Imagine being in a position where your team follows your directives out of obligation and not out of respect. The result? A team that meets the bare minimum, lacking engagement and innovation. True leadership involves motivating a team to not only follow, but also to exceed expectations – driven by a shared vision and mutual respect. 

So how do you cultivate this type of leadership? Start by listening. Leadership begins with understanding the people you are leading – their strengths, weaknesses, motivations and concerns. 

Take the time to engage with your team on a personal level. Ask questions, solicit feedback and make it clear that their input is valued. This not only builds trust but also lays the foundation for a collaborative environment.

The power of vulnerability

Leadership often comes with the misconception that one must be infallible – always confident, always certain. However, there’s a real power in admitting that you don’t have all the answers. It humanises you and creates an environment where others feel safe to express their uncertainties and ideas.

When you lead by example – showing that it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them – you encourage a team dynamic where innovation and risk-taking are not only allowed, but also encouraged.

This is a principle that we must adhere to. It reinforces what we already know: employees will trust and follow a leader they can rely on.

Live your values

Leading by example isn’t about being the first one in the office and the last one out. It’s about embodying the values and work ethic you expect from your team. If you want your team to be collaborative, show them what collaboration looks like in action. If you value innovation, demonstrate how you challenge the status quo and think creatively.

A leader’s actions set the tone for the entire team. When your team sees that you are fully committed to the vision, they are more likely to invest themselves in the work, knowing that their leader is right there with them.

Reflect and improve

As you progress on your leadership journey, it’s vital that you reflect on your progress. What have you learned? Where have you succeeded and where can you improve? Leadership is not static; it’s an evolving process. To sum up, the habit of continuously reflecting and seeking ways to improve ensures that you are not just a leader by title, but a leader in action too. We believe that every leader should have a good story to tell their colleagues about their first steps.

Kingsley O. Omeihe is a senior lecturer in marketing and Ibiyemi Omeihe is a lecturer in enterprise, both at the University of the West of Scotland.

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