Lessons I Wish I’d Known in My First 30 Days as a Leader
Stepping into leadership—whether you’ve done it already or you’re prepping for that first promotion—is a wild ride. Those first 30 days, whenever they happen, are a crash course in what works and what doesn’t. I’ve been there, and looking back, there are lessons I wish I’d tattooed on my arm before day one. This isn’t just for the newbies; middle managers can reset with this, and emerging leaders can stash it for when the title lands. Here’s what I’d tell my younger self—or you—about starting strong.
Lesson 1: You Don’t Need to Prove Yourself
I walked into my first leadership gig thinking I had to dazzle everyone with big moves. I didn’t. My team didn’t need a savior—they needed someone steady. Obsessing over proving myself just made me miss what they actually wanted: presence, not perfection. Let go of the spotlight; show up instead.
Lesson 2: Questions Beat Answers
I spent nights prepping solutions to look smart, only to realize my team had better ones. The real win? Asking, “What do you think?” or “What’s been tough lately?” It’s not weakness—it’s how you learn your people and their world. If you’re prepping, practice this now; it’s gold when you start.
Lesson 3: Small Steps Trump Grand Plans
Early on, I pitched a massive overhaul—my team stared blankly. I should’ve started smaller: one clear goal, like fixing a broken handoff. Big visions matter, but small wins build trust first. Pick one thing, nail it, and grow from there. Reflect: What small step defined your start?
Lesson 4: Mistakes Are Your Teacher
I hid a flubbed deadline like it was a crime scene—dumb move. When I finally owned a mistake (a botched meeting agenda), my team shrugged and helped fix it. They don’t expect flawless; they expect real. If you’ve been there, you get this. If not, embrace it early—mistakes sharpen you.
Lesson 5: You’re Not Alone
I isolated myself, thinking leadership was a solo gig. Wrong. My best ideas came from bouncing thoughts off peers—or later, my team. Lean on others; it’s not a crutch, it’s a superpower. Middle managers, you know this—share it. Emerging leaders, build that network now.
Your Turn
These lessons shaped my first 30 days—and beyond. Maybe you’ve lived them, or maybe you’re filing them away for when you step up. They tie back to starting strong: know your team, focus, win, adjust, stay human. What’s a lesson you’d add from your own start? Join the conversation in Boundless New Leaders at https://members.boundlessnewleaders.com. We’re all learning this together.