Here's how you can smoothly transition from an individual contributor to a managerial role.

As you shift into the new manager role, you need to give yourself time to adjust and understand it is a learning experience. It is important seek out guidance of leaders you trust and ask it's ok to ask the people you manage, how they would like to be managed.

The transition from individual contributor to manager requires a significant shift in focus. Previously, you were likely the "go-to" person for a specific task. Now, your success hinges on empowering your team to excel. This means effectively delegating tasks, identifying and leveraging individual strengths, and fostering opportunities for everyone to grow. And while your deep expertise was a major asset before, it now serves a different purpose. Use your knowledge to create a strategic vision for your team, ensuring it aligns seamlessly with the broader company goals. This shift in focus allows you to move from mastering tasks to guiding your team towards achieving a shared vision.

This transition is a challenge and how you set your stall out as an Individual will impact your ability to manage. Walking the Walk and not just talking it shows integrity and helps greatly. If you've performed as an Individual with respect and loyalty, chances are others will already view you as a leader. Remember these key points: - your journey is not the same as everyone else's. Be curious & non-judgemental. Everyone has a place to contribute. Get to know your peers & team members to understand their "Why." - Help others often. Model the change or behaviours you want to see - Remember to lead others with empathy & kindness. You never know when you'll need their help. - Lead always & don't forget to listen. That's how we learn.

Transitioning to a managerial role: 1. Skills Upgrade: Develop leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills. 2. Business Acumen: Understand organizational goals and align your work. 3. People Management: Delegate effectively and provide constructive feedback. 4. Networking: Connect with other managers for mentorship. 5. Adaptability: Embrace change and continuous learning. It’s both skill development and mindset shift.

Another great source of personal and professional insights is via personality assessments by which you understand yourself better in terms of your motivation, strengths, weaknesses and potential areas of development. Knowing and managing yourself is essential, if you aspire to manage, motivate and develop others.

Other highly recommended skills to develop are constructive coaching, inspiring your team. Being an effective leader means encouraging from the front, not ordering from the back.

Transitioning from a frontline position to a managerial one requires you to settle your perception of how the business works and how it actually works. Take the time to really figure out the finer details of your organization structure and separation of responsibilities so that you can prove an effective support point for your team and someone your fellow leadership can rely on to know how to keep things moving along.

Not all transitions are smooth, not all managerial positions are the right fit. Take your time and have patience with yourself. Find your mentors and the superstars on your team- whether you need to delegate, vent, or ask for support. Be honest in your expectations of yourself and the team, as well as your feedback to executives. It’s easy to say what people want to hear, but it’s more important to reflect accurately what the gaps are and the best path forward.

Some thoughts I’ve found helpful: while it is a plus to be intelligent (able to learn), aware of one’s talents, a lifelong learner in pursuit of knowledge and experience, emotionally mature, and engaged with mentors and coaches, it is just as important, if not more so, to be humble, kind, understanding, patient, helpfully honest, tolerant, and long-suffering. Grow in character! Wisely serve even if you don’t get something in return. There simply are no downsides to that. #leadership

What is missing from this list? Boundaries! When you move from being a part of the team to being in charge of it, your role shifts to a new level and this comes with challenges. Others on the team will now have a new perspective of you and they will expect leadership. You will have to temper personal interactions to elevate your role within the group. You need others to respect you. You need them to follow your instructions and see you as a role model. This requires a paradigm adjustment for you & for others. While this shift might be lonely, it is for the best as you rise and develop new skills in your quest to grow in your career. You will have to establish new boundaries with co-workers so they will listen to you as you delegate & guide.