Congratulations! You’ve been promoted, I bet you’re excited and feeling proud?

Bit nerve-wracking though isn’t it, will you be accepted as equal, new team to manage, will you get found out, feeling imposter syndrome or Peter’s Law* in practice?

Don’t worry, thats totally normal, here’s Nine Dots Coaching 10 tips to smash it in this new role…

1/. Meet the team one-to-one 🗣

Meet each new team member individually have candid conversations. You may have a colleague who applied for the job but didn’t get it, be open, discuss it.

Ask each person how they see your role, what support they need from you. Also, let them know you’ll need their help. Don’t pretend you know everything.

2/. Talk to the whole team 👫🏼

Do this away from desks and phone, it could be over a quiet lunch. You’ve been given this job because you have ideas and vision, share them.

Let the team know what will change and if you have any expectations. It should be positive, but don’t be scared to head off any problems you anticipate.

3/. Don’t move too fast 🏃🏼‍♀️

Resist the urge to change everything as soon as you start, if you want the team to go with you go at their pace. Too much change too fast could look like an ego trip.

The team need to see the changes that help them, not that make you look good.

4/. Use the team strengths 💪🏻

You know the teams strong points. People enjoy doing what they’re good at and having a chance to shine. Allocate tasks and projects where they will be appreciated.

Their success will reflect back on you.

5/. Draw lines around yourself 🏝

It’s important that you set boundaries and resist trying to be ‘one of the gang’ but don’t be too stand-offish either.

Don’t go out drinking and gossip, have a drink and chat, wean yourself off it gradually.

6/. Set yourself apart subtly 🤫

Set the tone in ways the team will only notice subconsciously. Dress a fraction smarter, arrive slightly earlier.

These subliminal signals show you’re moving up the ladder and help the team recognise authority.

7/. Have an open door 🎙

There will be times of the day when the door must be closed, but your team need to know when they can easily talk to you if they have worries or need help.

Keep it open most of the time, it will be easier for you to be the boss they want.

8/. No favourites 🫵🏻

You must be unscrupulously fair with them all now. The team will know where favouritism is likely to show, don’t give them any cause for complaint.

Whether it is little perks or high-status projects distribute them fairly and make a point of personal pride that no-one can tell whether you even have a favorite.

9/. Communicate 🗣🎙

Your success depends on how well you and your team communicate with each other. Let them know what you’re thinking, ask them what they’re thinking.

Whether it is about decisions or team relationships openness and sharing state crucial. You started brilliantly with your team one-to-ones and your first team session, keep building on it.

10/. Prioritise their success 🙌🏻

Let them see right from the start that you are committed to to helping each of your team develop skills, give them. Extra support to move up the ladder themselves.

Find out where they want to be, how can you help them get there. They are much more likely to be on board and support you if they can see it will benefit them too.

Now go on….smash it…. 👊🏼

*Peters Rule – a person who is competent will eventually be promoted to a position where they are not competent.