Guest Blog Post by Joseph Kennard

You made it! You are on the fast track and have landed your first post as a leader.  You probably have lots of excitement, even fear, but you feel ready! If you have been promoted from the ranks, you have some unique challenges ahead.  The first challenge is to examine your behavior as you transition from follower to leader. You are in charge now and need to exude a leader mindset.  The behavior you exhibit toward your staff and peers needs to reflect your new position and responsibilities.  Proceed with caution. You do not want to alienate your staff and damage the relationships you have cultivated. At the same time, you need to meet the demands and expectations of the position. Communication is the key. As you grow in your new role, discuss the changes with your team members.  In their mind, they are still your peers.  Communicate your understanding of their position as well as your own. Your team needs to know that you are the same person as before, but that your new role calls for you to have different work-relationship expectations of them. More than likely, they have different expectations of you. Remember, you all have a history together. Also, you know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Build on the strengths and attempt to improve on the weaknesses.  You have worked in the trenches together in the past.  Use your workplace insights and rapport to improve the team for a successful future!

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