9 strategic tips for new team leaders

Congratulations on your promotion! You're now a team leader.

Stepping into a leadership role for the first time can be exciting and nerve-wracking all at once.

As a new team leader, you might be feeling a mix of pride and uncertainty, wondering how you'll lead your team and earn their respect.

Rest assured, you're not alone in these feelings. Many new team leaders experience similar emotions when transitioning from being a peer to a boss.

Gone are the days of being "one of the team". You're now tasked with guiding and inspiring your colleagues.

This new role brings both opportunities and challenges. It's an important shift that requires you to adopt new skills and perspectives.

But fear not! With the right mindset and strategies, you can navigate this transition successfully and become a confident, effective leader.

Whether you've received formal training or are learning on the job, our tips will provide you with practical strategies to help you hit the ground running.

Tips for new team leaders

1. Understand your new role 

You've got new responsibilities now, so it's time to get clear on what's expected of you as a leader. Set boundaries with your team to establish your new role and redefine relationships with your former peers. You might feel a little harsh in this first step as you re-affirm yourself. It’s important to remain your usual lovely self during this phase. Equally, it’s important to show your team that you’re there for them in a professional capacity whilst expressing what is expected of them.

2. Build trust and respect 

Show empathy and acknowledge the change in dynamics. Let your team know you value their insights and contributions. Openly communicate about your new role and seek feedback. What’s more, how you react to feedback will build trust and respect. It’s a good idea to prioritise building trust and respect over diving straight into tasks.

3. Develop your leadership style 

Find your voice and figure out the kind of leader you want to be. Learn from others and take note of their behaviour. If possible, find a mentor to guide you. You may find a good mentor in your line manager, a fellow networker, or a friend in a similar situation. Alternatively, you could even find a good mentor in a YouTuber or other influencer who gives work advice through their channel. You should also research different leadership styles (authoritarian, participative, transactional, situational) for inspiration.

4. Focus on team dynamics 

Promote collaboration to foster a cooperative environment. If any team members have concerns about your transition, address them head-on. This may feel confrontational to some. Think of it instead as a conversation that should help your team member to feel supported. Maintain a mindset that views every situation as an opportunity to encourage, inspire and motivate. A good way to avoid upset in future is to make sure everyone feels like an integral part of the team by being an inclusive leader.

5. Set clear goals and expectations 

Never assume your team knows what's expected of them. Align your objectives with your team and clarify how their work contributes to the overall goals. Provide guidance and support to help them achieve their objectives. Be clear about how you will measure performance.

6. Invest in your development 

Keep pursuing training and consider management courses to enhance your leadership skills. Don’t be hard on yourself. Learn from your mistakes and recognise that they're part of the learning process. Remember to confide in your mentors. And keep up to date with content from your favourite work-related online influencers.

7. Foster a positive culture 

Celebrate both team and individual achievements, big and small. Then, work on encouraging growth by providing opportunities for development. Be an inclusive leader by asking team members about their goals and aspirations to show you're invested in their development.

8. Maintain team connections 

Be approachable with an open-door policy and encourage communication. You can enhance this by regularly checking in with team members and providing ongoing support to stay engaged with their working lives (as well as things in their personal life that affect their working life).

9. Give feedback that encourages 

When giving feedback, focus on encouraging and emphasising the positive aspects of their work while addressing areas for improvement. Your team will appreciate your honesty and respect for them.

Becoming the leader you want to be

Transitioning from being part of the team to leading it is a pivotal moment in your career. It requires self-awareness, empathy, communication, and a willingness to grow. To become the leader you want to be, stay committed to your development, invest in your relationships, and embrace the learning opportunities that come your way.