Lessons All Leaders Learn on the Way Up

"For several years, I've built and led leadership development programs. I helped leaders at all levels develop the skills they need to transition from one level to the next. Individual contributors transitioned to their first management roles, beginning to learn about what it means to manage people. Senior leaders became executives and learned what it means to truly lead a company, where every action reflects the culture and values."

"The first key shift is the changing peer group. The new role means new social dynamics with colleagues who were previously peers. At a large organization, leaders may find a new peer group in their fellow managers and can begin to create connections at this new level. But with each move up the career ladder, the peer group gets a little smaller, and those peers have more responsibility with less time for the general connection and the conversations that build relationships."

Leadership development programs help leaders transition between levels. Individual contributors often move into first management roles and learn what it means to manage people. Senior leaders become executives and take on responsibilities where every action reflects culture and values. Key transitions include moving from peer to manager, navigating changing peer groups, and handling increased responsibility that extends beyond additional tasks. Peer groups shrink and relationships can become more political as leaders compete for talent, resources, and recognition. Leaders should foster strong relationships, role model connection, and set expectations to develop teams at all skill levels.

Read at Psychology Today