There is an interesting transition that happens between the role of individual contributor and leader. For so long, we measure ourselves on accomplishments or the completion of tangible work products. When we move into leadership positions, the measures of success change. It becomes more about thought leadership, decision making, holding a team accountable, and getting work done through others. So how do you measure your own success when your direct results are not always tangible?
First and most importantly, stop listening to the voice that’s constantly judging you from a lens of how you need to be and do better. Every moment, you are learning and growing. Have faith in the fact that you are exactly who and where you need to be, and stop telling yourself it’s not enough.
From there, three steps you can take are:
- Set behavioral expectations for yourself and how you want to show up as a leader. What are your values? Hold yourself accountable for behaving in alignment with those and if you fall out of alignment with them, be brave enough to acknowledge it and move on.
- Meet with your team regularly by having an established 1:1 practice. Regularly take time to meet with them to listen, help them understand the purpose of their role, communicate expectations, remove barriers and give immediate feedback on performance.
- Set goals around making decisions that enable others to act. High performing teams have leaders that model the ability to make decisions. Don’t get caught in needing to make the “right” decision as it rarely exists. Simply make the next one and keep moving forward.
Where are you struggling in the transition from being an individual contributor to a leader?