Every new leader wants to get off to the best possible start. So, it's important to get things right.

Rather than muddling your way through, why not learn from five of the most common mistakes often made by new leaders?

Mistake 1: Attempting Too Much Too Soon

Early successes are a key aim for many new leaders. But, in the rush to prove themselves, it can be easy to lose focus and get involved in too many projects at once.

Step back. Identify and prioritize the most important issues. Give your team clear direction, ensuring resources are focused on the issues that matter most.

Mistake 2: Sticking With What You Know

Stepping into a new leadership role requires you to think differently about problems and challenges. Going down the tried-and-tested routes stifles ideas and creativity.

Make good use of the talent available to you and be open to new ideas and suggestions from others. Don't simply rely on your own knowledge or experience to find solutions.

Mistake 3: Thinking You Know It All

New leaders often make the mistake of thinking they already had the answers – possibly because of previous successes. But coming in with your mind made up about certain problems or solutions can backfire by alienating people.

Ask for input to help you understand things more accurately. And help develop and build support for good solutions.

Mistake 4: Sticking Your Head in the Sand

Hoping a thorny problem will resolve itself or go away is the definition of poor leadership. If you don't steer your troops through the inevitable choppy waters, the issues will be worse, not better. You'll also lose the respect of those you need to be onboard with you.

Address issues sooner rather than later. This way, they'll be easier to handle and you'll enhance your own reputation, too.

Mistake 5: Doing the Wrong Job

You've been promoted! So don't get stuck in the easy, comfortable routine of continuing to do your old job. Your new role should be more about leading and managing the people working for you, including delegating work. This will free you up to deal with your new responsibilities, and it offers development opportunities for your team members, too.

Set clearly defined goals for your team and don't micromanage. Your team members may not do things the same way you did. But if their method works for them and they get the job done, let them do it their way. © 2022 Mind Tools by Emerald Works Limited.