5 Mistakes to Avoid as an Emerging Leader

Leadership naturally comes with a learning curve and even the most established leaders are not immune mistakes. Emerging leaders face this learning curve from the onset. In this blog, we will look at the top mistakes to avoid as an emerging leader. 

Overestimating Capabilities and Misjudging the Role

One of the most common mistakes emerging leaders make is overestimating their capabilities, making them overly confident in their skills and understanding of their new role. They might believe that what got them promoted intially is just what is need in their leadership role, failing to recognise the actual complexities of their new role. 

Overconfidence

Overconfidence, which is closely tied to ego, often manifests in new leaders. They experience a rush of adrenaline in their new role as leader and try to make sweeping changes too quickly, without fully understanding the deeper dynamics at play. Slow down and take the time to work out the best way forward.

Inadequate Communication

Emerging leaders can struggle to find the right balance in their communication. They can either communicate too little, leaving employees feeling left out of the conversation, or they micromanage, giving employees too much direction and oversight. Find the balance in your communication to empower the staff around you.

Failing to Build Relationships and Trust

Emerging  leaders can sometimes focus too much on processes and outcomes at the expense of relationship building. They underestimate the importance of establishing trust and rapport with their team members.

Making Decision too Hastily 

Due to their lack of experience emerging leaders can often make decisions too hastily without having thought them through. This can lead to bad outcomes which affect the organisation and also other parties involved like stakeholders. 

Avoid these mistakes! Enroll in our Emerging Leaders Program.