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The transition from manager to leader requires a significant change in perspective.
A promotion from operational manager to a more strategic position can require a huge change in mindset. Some of the skills you brought to your old position – even those which might have formerly contributed to your success – could now be seen as challenges to overcome in your new role. For instance, as Mary began to transition to her new VP role, she realized that her natural tendency is to want a high degree of detailed information about her own work and the work of her team members. While this approach had worked in the past, she found that, as a leader, placing such emphasis on the detail was taking too much of her time and getting in the way of her ability to build a strong team.
In Mary’s coaching sessions, we discussed the importance of redefining roles as you achieve promotions. By understanding your new position in the context of your organization, you can gain the perspective you need to lead.
Take a step back and outline your role and the roles of your direct reports. Creating a visual of the differences in the roles allows you to determine the amount of detail you need to be successful at your role as the VP.
Also understand that, as a VP, success is defined differently. Your focus now should be less on your command of the details, and more the ability to strategically make decisions, build and lead a team, and drive results.
Leader’s Reaction:
Mary agreed with the recommendation, although she noted that she is still learning how to be comfortable with backing away from the details.
Outcome:
Mary met with her direct reports to discuss expectations about how much detail she wants from each of them. She explained that she is working on staying out of the details, but that the level of information she needs each of them to share with her may evolve as the team works together longer.