Published version available at https://theconversation.com/ready-for-the-next-step-in-your-career-heres-howto-get-ready-for-your-first-leadership-position-230854

THE CO NVERSATION
Academic rigour, journalistic flair

Leadership roles present exciting opportunities for career advancement, personal growth and fulfilment. (Shutterstock)

Ready for the next step in your career? Here's how to get
ready for your first leadership position
Published: June 10, 2024 12.15pm EDT

Leda Stawnychko
Assistant Professor of Strategy an<l Organizational Theory, Mount Royal University

Ean Tsou
PhD Candidate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, University of Calgary

At the age of 20, Leda, one of the authors of this sto1y, was terrified when asked to supervise a team of
older and more expe1ienced colleagues. The first few months weren't easy, but the expe1ience
eventually became a turning point in her life.
Leadership roles present exciting oppo1tunities for career advancement, personal growth and
fulfilment . Beyond the appeal of higher sala1ies, the positions offer the chance to d1ive change,
mentor others and enhance your interperson al skills.
However, feeling apprehensive about taking this significant step in your career is natural. You're not
alone - between 74 to 83 per cent of leaders feel unprepared for their roles, and many capable
individuals decline promotions due to concerns about their readiness and potential changes in how
they are perceived by others.
Whether you're stepping into the C-suite or your first team lead role, the prospect of leading others
can be daunting. So, how can you confidently make the leap into a leadership position?

While there are steps you can take independently to prepare, leveraging your professional network
will be crucial for building confidence and achieving success.

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Using your professional network
Your professional network comprises people you’re connected to at your workplace, such as peers and
supervisors. It also includes people from former jobs, social interactions and events.
As these connections progress in their careers, many will enter leadership roles, becoming invaluable
parts of your network and social capital — provided you stay in touch.

To make the most of your professional network, take the time to reflect on what you are learning and,
most importantly, how you are feeling. (Shutterstock)

A strong professional network offers numerous benefits, particularly when preparing for leadership
roles. Here are three ways your professional network can help:
1. Your professional network can guide you toward leadership roles that fit you.
Beyond informing you of opportunities, your network connections are more likely to understand
your goals and skills. Their belief in your potential can boost your confidence, helping you take
the plunge into a supervisory position.
2. People with leadership experience in your network can provide invaluable insights.
A quick conversation with someone who has been in a similar role can clarify responsibilities and
expectations that might not be apparent from the job description. Learning from their
experiences can better prepare you for potential challenges. Consider seeking formal sponsorship
from leaders you admire. They can provide a sounding board for your ideas and valuable second
opinions.
3. Your professional network is a rich resource for developing leadership skills.
Observe how others in your network handle situations and consider how you can apply those
skills in your context. Additionally, attend seminars, subscribe to newsletters like Harvard
Business Review‘s “Management Tip of the Day” and engage with leadership communities on
social media. Influential public intellectuals like Daniel Goleman, Adam Grant, Brené Brown and
Simon Sinek offer valuable advice on developing leadership skills.
To make the most of your professional network, take the time to reflect on what you are learning and,
most importantly, how you are feeling. Transformative learning often occurs when you turn
disorienting moments of uncertainty into opportunities for growth. Embrace these moments to gain
deeper insights, capitalize on your strengths and develop strategies to address any gaps.

Building your own network

If you're worlied about finding people with leadership expe1i ence in your network, we have a few

practical strategies to help you expand it :
1. Kee p track of people you meet. Whether you meet people at work or other places, take the

time to learn about them and connect with them afterwards - tools like Llnkedln can help.
2. Use every opportunity to stay in touch. Use oppo1t unities like lunch breaks, coffee meetings

or shared events to build and maintain relationships.
3. Maintain a people-centred philosophy. Build relationships for the sake of the relationship
itself, viewing any benefits as secondary. Use cmiosity and good judgment, and consider giving
first without expecting anything in return. This mindset will help you develop genuine and longlasting relationships.
4. Look for win-win collaborations. TI1ink about how you might add value to their career.
Seasoned leaders might be culious about your thoughts on workplace trends like using AI and
supervising in the post-COVID era. You have something to contlibute - just listen closely to
understand what matters to them.
5. Leverage introductions from your network. Try to use the superpower of your "friend's
friends." Having someone vouch for you can boost your credibility and make a strong first
impression.

Use opportunities like coffee meetings to build and maintain relationships in the workplace.
(Shutterstock)

Don't be afraid to leap
In the end, you might never feel 100 per cent ready for leadership, but don't shy away from a fantastic
oppo1tunity to expand your skills and relationships.
As Leda discovered, leveraging h er professional network was instrumental in navigating her early

leadership challenges and ultimately turning that expe1ience into a pivotal moment in her career. TI1e
rewards are many, and those in superviso1y roles often say they'd never look back despite the steep
learning curves.
Reach out, build those connections and let others help you get to where you want to go. Embrace the
journey, learn from eve1y interaction, and you'll find that the suppo1t of your network can make all
the difference.
Leadership is not a solita1y path - it's one built on relationships, insights and mutual growth. So, take
the leap. Your professional network is ready to support you in making your next big career move!