Stepping into a leadership role is exciting but also overwhelming. Research shows that many first-time leaders struggle because they haven’t been given the tools to succeed. Instead of thriving, they fall into avoidable traps. In this article, we’ll explore five of the most common mistakes new leaders make and give you practical strategies to steer clear of them.
Mistake #1: Trying to Do Everything Yourself
The problem: Many new leaders keep doing their old job while trying to lead the team. This leads to burnout and frustrated employees.
The solution: Learn to delegate effectively. Trust your team with responsibilities and focus on supporting, not micromanaging or doing.
Mistake #2: Avoiding Difficult Conversations
The problem: Late arrivals, missed deadlines or poor performance are ignored because the leader feels uncomfortable raising issues and/or is still trying to win them over.
The solution: Tackle issues early with constructive feedback. Approach conversations with empathy, clarity and a focus on solutions. Create appropriate boundaries early.
Mistake #3: Focusing Only on Tasks, Not People
The problem: New leaders often see their role as ‘getting the work done’. But without strong relationships, performance suffers for the team members and the leader.
The solution: Invest time in getting to know your team. Ask about their goals, challenges and ideas as well as sharing yours. Building trust increases motivation and results.
Mistake #4: Neglecting Self Development
The problem: Leaders who don’t grow, adapt or change quickly fall behind. They rely on what they know, have experienced or what they prefer instead of developing proven leadership skills.
The solution: Commit to continuous learning. Formal training, mentoring, self-reflection and feedback from peers can accelerate your growth and confidence.
Mistake #5: Not Setting Clear Expectations
The problem: Team members don’t always know what ‘good’ looks like to you and the organisation. This can create confusion, rework and frustration on both sides.
The solution: Be clear from the start. Define goals, set measurable outcomes and communicate regularly. Follow through with what you have agreed to, whether that is praise or consequences.
Leadership doesn’t come with a manual but you don’t have to figure it out alone. By addressing these five mistakes, you can lead with confidence, reduce stress and bring out the best in your team.
If you’re ready to strengthen your leadership skills, LearningWorks offers NZQA-accredited leadership programmes at Levels 3 and 4 [Fees Free for eligible learners]. Explore more about these here.
A final thought….be kind to yourself. It can be a lonely role at times and you won’t always get it right. But, you are good enough and are there for a reason, so just keep showing up and doing your best!