First-time manager, now what?
- 23 hours ago
- 2 min read
You've just steped into a leadership role! But what does that really mean in practice?
What thoughts and feelings do you have in your new role? Maybe it’s a mix of excitement and a touch of fear. You might find yourself swinging between feeling confident about the task ahead and feeling a bit uneasy.
Here’s a tip… take a deep breath.
Sort through your thoughts—write them down if it helps.
Zoom out and gain some perspective.
Pick a few concrete areas to focus on first. Listen to your team—invite them in.
You don’t need to have all the answers yourself, so involve your team by asking good questions and really listening.
In your new leadership role, you're likely facing unfamiliar situations and new responsibilities. You might need to build up your skills to feel confident in your leadership.
That’s completely normal.
Leadership isn’t about having everything figured out from day one. It’s about staying curious, being open, and learning fast. You’re not alone in this—every experienced leader once stood exactly where you are now.
So where do you start?
Start by building trust. Trust is the foundation of every great team. And it starts with you—being clear, being consistent, and being human. You don't need to impress your team with perfection. Impress them by showing up with integrity, listening deeply, and making space for them to grow with you.
Then, focus on clarity
People crave direction—especially during change. Take time to understand your team’s goals, challenges, and strengths. Ask questions like:
✨ “What’s one thing that’s working well in the team right now?”
✨ “Where do you think we can improve, together?”
✨ “What do you need from me to do your best work?”
You’ll be surprised how much wisdom lives inside your team already.
And don’t forget about you
Make time to reflect:
What energized you this week?
What drained you?
What conversations felt easy, and which ones felt tough?
Reflection helps you grow faster than any training ever could.
It’s okay to feel uncertain. It’s okay to not be perfect. What matters is that you’re showing up and committed to growing into the leader your team deserves.
One final thought: You don’t have to do this alone. Whether it’s a mentor, a coach, or a peer you trust—create a safe space where you can ask the hard questions, talk openly about your challenges, and build your leadership in a way that’s real and sustainable.
Because great leaders aren’t born ready—they’re built. One conversation, one insight, one decision at a time.
Many leaders, not just those new to the role, find it incredibly helpful to talk to someone outside the organisation—someone who has no stake in the politics or outcomes, and who’s fully focused on their growth and success.
If you'd like to talk to Lizzie Claesson, chosen as one of Stockholm's top 15 coaches, just hit the button below. No strings attached. No wallet needed. Just a friendly talk.