Accepting a new leadership role is not easy whether you are a complete beginner or you have already performed a similar role in other teams. The good news is that beginners' mistakes are very well documented today and you do not have to repeat them. Typical mistakes were recently highlighted e.g. on Entrepreneur.com. Let's summarize them. Do not repeat what others before you have many times have proven to be wrong.
1. Do not create tension
Whether you like it or not, the way you treat people and your work will reflect in the behavior of your team. It's up to you whether it will be positive or negative.
2. Remember that there are people behind products
An effective leader tries to invest most of his time and effort in people and the relationships with them. He seeks to attract, nurture and retain good people. He does not spend most of the day writing reports or preparing for meetings.
3. Do not try to do everything yourself
The problem of many managers entering the role of leaders is their lack of ability to delegate. They are used to doing more themselves than to leading others.
4. Do not denounce your predecessors
New leaders, as soon as they enter their new role, often make the mistake of trying to minimize the value of the initiatives and achievements of their predecessors. The desire to bring your own value, is of course desirable, but too much ego is not.
5. Do not punish failure
On the contrary, try to welcome mistakes, talk about them as a team and look for practical lessons. How else can you expect to learn?
6. Do not talk only about the past
The past is over. Your people want to hear and see what will happen. Accusations of past mistakes will not help anyone.
7. Do not worry that you do not know everything
Nobody expects you to know all the answers. Your task is to create an environment that enables the open sharing of information and experience.
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