Do you remember the moment when someone tapped you on the shoulder and said, “You’re now going to be the team lead”? One of the greatest professional transitions is being promoted into leadership. It feels like an exciting milestone—until you realize it’s harder than you thought.
Before, your results came from your own efforts. Now, your success is tied to your team’s performance. To achieve those results, you need to build trust, motivate, and create a culture of strong work ethics. You can talk about trust and motivation all day, but it’s what you do that matters most. Your example is the foundation of your leadership—set it right, and you’ll build something lasting.
5 KEY LEADERSHIP BEHAVIORS
1. See Yourself as a Leader
The first step in any leadership transition is recognizing that you’re no longer just another team member. You’re the leader, and it’s crucial to own that identity.
Reduce Headtrash: Banish those doubts and thoughts of imposter syndrome. Remember, someone chose you because they believed in you. It’s time you believed in yourself too!
Be Friendly, but Not Friends: You can still hang out with your team outside of work, but at work, you must act differently. Shift your language to reflect your new role:
From “I’m just like you” to “I’m committed to supporting you”
From “Hey guys…” to “As your supervisor…”
From “Just for you” to “To be fair, I have to…”
From “Nah bro” to “Unfortunately, this will not work”
From “I get it” to “I could understand your frustration…"
Take Action: Confidence comes from action. Conduct a one-on-one meeting, have that tough conversation, or make a decision. The more you take leadership actions, the more you’ll feel like a leader.
2. Take Personal Responsibility
Leadership means owning not just your actions but the outcomes of your team. Avoid the blame game—it only damages your credibility.
Put Down the Blamethrower: It’s easy to blame production, marketing, maintenance, or corporate, but complaints do nothing but erode trust. Stop blaming others.
Change the Changeable: You can’t control others’ actions, but you can control your response and attitude. Lead by example—people are watching.
Seek Feedback: Ask your team how you’re doing. For instance, you might say, “On a scale of 1 to 10, how am I doing at communication?” Then, ask, “What could I do to make it a 10?” Be open to learning and improving.
3. Be Professional
When I started teaching, I wore a tie to set myself apart and establish authority. You don’t need a tie, but you do need to separate yourself as a leader—this isn’t about ego; it’s about respect for the role.
Create Your Personal Brand: Be mindful of how you present yourself. Dress appropriately, watch your language, and make sure your jokes are professional.
Respect Others: Don’t talk down to your team. Even with a new title, remember to treat them with dignity. I once saw a company rep shouting at an airport employee while wearing their company shirt—don’t be that person.
Own Your Attitude: Setbacks will happen. Your response is what your team will replicate. Regulate your emotions and stay positive.
4. Do What You Say
Trust is the currency of leadership, and nothing depletes it faster than broken promises. Your team is watching closely to see if they can count on you.
Don’t Overpromise: It’s okay to say “no” if you don’t have the time. Be clear about your commitments and follow through.
Write It Down: Find a system that helps you track your promises, whether it’s a notebook or an app. Keep yourself accountable.
Return and Report: Let your team know where things stand. Even if you’ve missed a deadline, communicate openly and update them on the progress.
5. Toe the Company Line
This one often gets pushback. “Do I have to blindly follow everything I’m told?” In a way, yes.
Take Pride: Don’t trash-talk your company, whether in public or online. It damages your credibility as a leader. If you do disagree, share your thoughts in private.
Go First: Be the first to support a new initiative, even if you have reservations. When you act, you gain the insight needed to provide valid feedback later.
Make It Your Decision: Avoid phrases like “Corporate said…” or “If I were the leader…” Own the decision as if it were your own: “We decided…” or “This is what I need you to do.”
From Buddy to Boss
Moving from buddy to boss can be challenging and it is a question I often get as I work with leadership groups. However, by following these five behaviors, you'll become the leader you need while respectfully creating boundaries between you and your previous buddies. See yourself as a leader, take personal responsibility, be professional, do what you say, and align with your organization’s values. When you embrace these five key leadership behaviors, you’ll not only elevate your own leadership but inspire your team to do the same.
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