Transition To Leadership Training

Introduction: "Why the need for a transition"They learn how to live with occasional feelings of
Human beings generally thrive on personalseparation and people don't always accept their
achievements. True leaders, on the other hand, thrivedecisions when faced with gut wrenching situations.
on the achievements of their team members. HighlyLeaders have a view of the big picture in mind. But the
effective leaders guide, assist, and coach teamchallenge for leaders lies in balancing the needs of
members rather than do the work themselves.many stakeholders: owners, employees, customers,
Successful leaders learn to trust others and spendand community. Because of this challenge, team
time developing people. They often do not possessmembers can feel alienated when unpopular decisions
these abilities when they first assume a leadershipmust be made. Leadership can be hard. It is impossible
position. These abilities develop over time. New leadersto please everyone all of the time. While the need for
can create a rift with employees because the leaderbelonging and connecting with the group is important,
may become too "hands on," thus frustratingleaders know the mission and vision takes
employees with too many controls and overprecedence. Sometimes a leader should make waves,
supervision. The transition to leadership may alsochampion change, and challenge people's comfort
create some personal tension because the leader'szone. Leaders may not always relish conflict, but they
self-worth now depends on the efforts of others. Inare not afraid of it either. Leaders are guided by
short, a successful transition to leadership meansstandards, principles, and core values. Leaders focus
leader's have to shift their orientation and source ofon what is right, not who is right.
self-esteem, develop confidence in others and deriveLeaders know they can't make people happy. People
satisfaction from their achievements.have to take ownership and control of their own
The Substance: "How to make the transition."happiness. Leaders do not focus on personalities
Successful leaders re-define their need for power andfactors. At times, the individual self-interests of a team
control. Team members normally value a certainmember may be in opposition with the interests of the
amount of freedom and autonomy. People want togroup. Leaders concentrate on shared interests and
influence the events around them and not be controlledthe team goal. Consequently, the driving force behind a
by an over-bearing leader. When you are the individualteam is a leader who treats team members with
contributor, close to the work itself, you are the masterrespect, while keeping the vision in mind. People are
in control of your circumstances; your personaldifferent and you have to treat people differently yet
performance has a big effect on your satisfaction andfairly.
motivation. The situation is different when you becomeConclusion: Gaining a positive outlook.
a leader. Your personal contribution is less direct; youThe process of transitioning into a leadership position
often operate behind the scenes. Coaches work bestcan be smoother if leaders can monitor and manage
from the sidelines and during practice and intermission,their outlook and perspective. Leadership training,
not when the lights are on and the game is under way.education, tools, and systems are very important.
Leaders create frustration for everyone when they tryHowever, without the right outlook, new and even
to be involved in every project and expect teamveteran leaders will experience serious difficulties and
members to check-in before beginning every task.unrest. Reflect and examine your own leadership
World-class leaders delegate. They learn to trust. Thisattitude and perspective. Develop an intentional plan to
means giving up some control. Leaders learn to livework on areas that need improvement. Build your skills,
with the risks and knowledge that someone else mayand get a coach or mentor to help you. Be proactive,
do things a little differently. Every person is unique, andset goals, and track progress. Notice your behavior
they will individualize certain aspects of their work.patterns. Don't take over a task when someone is just
When leaders don't empower and delegate, they canlooking for your input. Be patient. Leadership training is a
become ineffective and overwhelmed. In turn, teamlife-long development process. Don't be afraid to share
members feel underutilized and therefore lessyour goals and vision with your team members.
motivated.Positive change can occur with commitment and
Finally, leaders learn to transition in other critical ways.persistence.