Congratulations! You have been promoted or hired to a position of responsibility (boss, manager...) for the first time in your career. This is an important step and you should be very proud. However, you have to be aware that this new position brings with it a number of challenges for which you must be prepared.
To achieve your objectives and to be a good boss or charismatic leader You need a set of skills that, unfortunately, you don't learn at Christmas. However, over time, you will gain experience and mistakes will help you learn new lessons.
And because it's best to be prepared, we tell you about the challenges you will face as a boss.
They say that the top is a cold and lonely place. And it is true that, once you are the boss, you will no longer be working in the same way with the team. Your role will be more strategic, decision-making, organisational... and that depends only on you.
You will have to work to fight loneliness and get your team, despite being the leader, to see you as one of the team. Otherwise, forget about getting an invitation to weekend barbecues or after-work drinks.
Getting the team to respect you and believe in you will be no easy task. Gaining their trust will take time, perseverance and showing that you care about the people around you.
One of the best ways to get closer to your team is communication. Create a space for open dialogue in which everyone can give their opinion and make proposals. Ask them frequently what they would improve, ask for feedback...
Not only will you be showing that you care about their opinion and that you hold them in high esteem, but you are also a humble person who cares about improving every day.
Sometimes you will have to make difficult decisions that can negatively affect your team. It will be even harder if they are people with whom you have a friendly relationship. However, it is part of your job and it is your responsibility.
Think it through and, after sufficient consideration, make the decision you feel is honest and as fair as possible. Being honest with your team and explaining your reasons will help.
You must be the mirror in which your team looks at itself, but sometimes this is not easy. Maintaining impeccable conduct and values over time, and keeping everyone happy, can be difficult. However, you must keep your standards high and always try to set an example for your team.
And when you make a mistake, because there are bound to be some, admit it openly and apologise. Your team will appreciate it and you will all learn for the future.
You have, as you can see, a big task on your hands. Being a good leader will require you to do your best and improve every day. Ask your colleagues for feedback, seek advice from someone more experienced than you, or devour books on the subject. All this will help you improve and become the boss you would like to be.
