Challenges for the new leader

New leaders need to find their footing in the leadership role. This often involves unlearning the working methods the leader used as an employee, while also finding effective leadership methods.

The most crucial realisation for new leaders is that their most important tool is themselves. Who they are matters more than all their documents and arguments. They therefore need, above all, to learn to understand themselves and how they can use themselves in the leadership role.

Challenges for the established middle manager

Established leaders often find a leadership style that they thrive with—and that they have also had success with. The challenge arises when the chosen leadership style falls short. And all leadership styles do at some point. Therefore, the established leader needs to expand their tools and approaches, and perhaps rediscover their curiosity. In this way, the established leader creates the foundation for continued personal and career development.