Steps To Becoming the Leader Your Team Needs - For New Leaders

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As a leader, have you ever asked yourself this question?

How can I become the leader my team needs without slowing down the growth of the business? 

First, know it is completely normal to feel this way! There are so many entrepreneurs who face this challenge when they grow beyond the ability to do everything themselves. Running a business and leading people are different skills and they both take time and experience to develop. Just because you haven't mastered leadership yet doesn't mean you're not capable. You were capable of growing your business without knowing how to at first, and you are capable of growing in your leadership as well.

This article is for anyone who finds themselves in a leadership role without prior experience or clear direction on how to develop as a leader. If that sounds like you, read on for some key takeaways on becoming the leader your team needs.

Embrace Leadership as a New Skill

First and foremost, know that leadership is a skill you can learn. It’s natural to feel like you don’t have it all figured out yet, but just as you learned to build your business, you can also learn to lead. This journey requires patience and a willingness to grow through trial and error.

Shift from Doer to Leader

Transitioning from a hands-on business owner to a leader requires letting go of doing everything yourself. Your team now needs you to provide clear direction and trust them to handle tasks. Hire people who are ready to take ownership, support the mission, and contribute to building your team culture. This isn’t about finding the least expensive option; it’s about finding the right people who are invested in the growth journey.

Establish Clear Roles and Expectations

As you grow, roles can often blur, leading to confusion and unmet expectations. To avoid this, make sure each person knows their responsibilities, what success looks like in their role, and how their work fits into the bigger picture. Be flexible and willing to adjust roles as needed, but ensure every change is clearly communicated.

Invest in Relationships

Remember, leadership is relational. Your team members each have their own lives outside of work, and they may not be as emotionally invested in your business as you are. That’s okay. Show genuine care for them as individuals, not just as employees. Investing in relationships leads to better retention, morale, and teamwork.

Prioritize Consistent Communication

Regular communication keeps everyone aligned, helps you address concerns proactively, and avoids the frustration of only connecting when something goes wrong. Whether it’s through weekly check-ins, daily briefings, or using a platform like Slack, consistency is key. Frequent communication creates a sense of unity and keeps everyone moving toward the same goals.

Build a Culture of Accountability

As a leader, it can be tempting to take on ALL responsibility, but sharing accountability empowers your team. Once expectations are set, allow your team to own their outcomes. Recognize their achievements, and when things don’t go as planned, focus on learning from the experience. This approach strengthens accountability and resilience across the team.

Continue Your Own Leadership Development

Leadership doesn’t come automatically with business success. Seek out mentors, read leadership books, attend workshops, and even consider hiring a leadership coach. Surround yourself with people who exemplify the kind of leadership you want to embody.

Keep the Long-Term Vision in Focus

In the midst of scaling, it’s easy to get caught up in daily operations. But as a leader, it’s essential to keep the bigger picture front and center. Make sure your team understands the vision and how their work aligns with it. When you’re transparent about where you’re headed, even if it’s not fully clear yet, it creates unity and motivation.

Lean on Your Team and Surround Yourself with Support

Leadership can feel lonely, especially when navigating new challenges. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and seek support. Your team is there to help you succeed. You’re no longer in this alone—you have a team to lean on, and their support is invaluable.

Becoming a strong leader isn’t about mastering everything overnight. It’s about embracing the journey, learning from each experience, and remembering that leadership starts with you. If you’re ready to deepen your leadership skills, I’d love to support you. You can reach me at [email protected] to discuss the next steps.

If you are a new leader, you could benefit from our free download: Resources for Beginner Leaders. Check it out here.