Help, I'm a people leader, get me out of here!

Congratulations, you've just been promoted to a people leader! Things are about to change, you're no longer just the person who does the thing; now, you're also the person who makes sure everyone else does the thing.  Welcome to the wonderful and challenging world of people leadership! Better strap yourself in, because it can be a bumpy ride. 

The first-day faceplant

Remember your first day in this leadership role? You walked into the office (or logged into the Zoom call), full of confidence and a little bit of dread. You thought, “How hard can it be?” Then reality hit, suddenly, you're not just responsible for your work; you're responsible for a whole team of individuals with unique quirks, ambitions and drives. 

Challenge 1: The people part

Managing people isn’t just about assigning tasks and waiting for the magic to happen. Instead, it’s a delicate balance of motivation, communication, and occasionally playing counsellor. As a leader of people. you’ll quickly learn that everyone has their way of working, and what motivates one person might send another to go for a brisk walk around the car park. 

Challenge 2: Conflict resolution

Conflict in the workplace is inevitable. Whether it’s a minor disagreement over the temperature in the office or a major blowout about the direction of a project. As the leader, you’re expected to mediate and resolve these issues. This often involves channelling your inner diplomat, psychologist, and occasionally, referee. 

Challenge 3: Time management

Once upon a time, your calendar was your own. Now it's a battleground of meetings, one-on-ones, and urgent requests. Balancing your work with the needs of your team can feel daunting and may make you question whether there are enough hours in the day and how on earth others do it?! 

A possible solution: Coaching  

So, how do you navigate these challenges, maintain perspective and hopefully keep smiling? The answer lies in one word: coaching.  

How coaching can help

• Improving communication skills: coaching can help you develop the skills to communicate effectively with your team. You’ll learn to give constructive feedback, set clear expectations, and listen actively.
• Building emotional intelligence: Understanding your emotions and those of your team members is crucial. Coaching can increase your emotional intelligence, helping you navigate the complexities of human behaviour.
• Conflict resolution techniques: Coaches can provide strategies for managing and resolving conflicts. You’ll learn how to address issues before they escalate and how to foster a collaborative environment.
• Time management strategies: Time management is a common struggle for new leaders. Coaching can offer practical tools and techniques to help you prioritize tasks, delegate effectively, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Boosting confidence: Let’s face it, imposter syndrome is real. A coach can help you build confidence in your leadership abilities, ensuring you lead with authority and empathy. 

The coaching journey

Imagine having a trusted guide, who can offer useful tools, techniques and insights, provide feedback, and challenge you to grow. That’s what a good coach does. They’re not there to give you all the answers but to help you find your path to effective leadership. 

Finding the right coach

Not all coaches are created equal. Look for someone with experience, a proven track record, and a style that resonates with you. Remember, this is someone you’ll be sharing your leadership fears and triumphs with, so finding the right fit is crucial. 

So... embrace the challenge!

Being a people leader is no walk in the park, but it’s also one of the most rewarding roles you can undertake. The challenges are real, but so are the opportunities for growth and development. With the right coaching, you can turn those early faceplants into fantastic leadership stories to be shared with others, leading your team with confidence and skill. 

So, next time you think, “Help, I’m a people leader, get me out of here,” remember that with coaching, you can transform that cry for help into a triumphant, “I’ve got this!” Lead on.