I wrote a post recently for the many of us who have navigated a change in leadership above us. Change is foregone conclusion in this life. You cannot stop change from happening around you, but you can control your attitude and actions as you walk through change. Choosing the right heart and habits as you begin working with a new leader can make all the difference in the world.
There are unique seasons when change is not above me or around me… the change is me. We have talked about how to handle a new leader or boss…but what do you do when you are the new leader or boss? Have you ever assumed a leadership role? Maybe you got a promotion in your company, or were trained up to take over your volunteer group? Some of us become the head of a classroom by receiving a new teaching assignment, or are installed as the new coach for a team. Not everyone has the word leader in their title, but each of us have arenas in life where we carry some leadership influence.
What happens when you assume some new level of leadership? What do you do when there are a group of people who suddenly look to you for direction and coaching?
I’ve written about the 4 decisions we need to make when we receive a new leader…there are similarly 4 decisions we need to make when we receive a new leadership role:
- Be a Servant – our model for assuming leadership is found in the person of Jesus…who used his position as an opportunity to serve those he was called to lead. There is no middle road when it comes to leadership and service. Leaders either use their position as a way to be served or as a platform to serve those they lead. (Click to tweet)
- Start with Relationships – For driven leaders the inclination in a new role is to jump in and start moving things quickly. The best thing a new leader can do is take time to build a foundation of relationships with each of the people they lead. That early relational bond will become a building block for all future advancements as a team.
- Be a Champion of Others – you are there to help the people you lead win; they are not there to help you win. Lift others up and be the person behind them encouraging, cheering them on and resourcing them to accomplish big things. You can take joy in the wins of those you lead when you’ve done your best to pave a path for their victories. (Click to tweet)
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help – Insecure leaders feel pressure to prove themselves by settling into new roles on their own. One of the best resources you have is the people whose tenure is longer than your own. The best leaders are open to and eager for help from those around them. When you ask for help, especially from the people you lead, you build trust into your leadership.
Cory Lebovitz 