Welcome to issue No. 077 of the Lever

Up to 60% of new leaders fail within the first 18 months in the role.

Here are the top 7 reasons why this happens.

But first, a book recommendation:

Communication is one of the three core skills of effective leaders.

​The Pyramid Principle is my favorite book on the subject.​

It was written by a Mickinsey consultant to help people communicate complex topics in clear language.

Not an affiliate link! Just a great book on communication.

You finally got the new leadership position you were chasing but now it feels like you are beating your head against the wall.

You can’t get anything accomplished and are getting pushback at every turn.

Entrenched employees are undermining your authority.

Your new boss is starting to rethink their decision.

Why does this happen?

1. Poor Cultural Fit

New company = new culture and values.

These are more important than you think. Hopefully the company hires for fit, but in many cases it’s not considered.

This leaves you struggling to figure out how to fit in.

What to do:

You need to figure out what people value - fast.

You think you know, but you don’t. You are just projecting YOUR values and wondering why you don’t fit in.

You need to meet people where they are. Then give them what they need.

Because as the leader, you work for them. Not the other way around.

2. No Relationships

Building TRUST in your team, with your reports, peers, and higher-ups is critically important.

This often gets pushed to the side in favor of figuring out the day to day job.

Don’t do that.

What to do:

Start building those relationships.

Take the time to build rapport. Get to know people.

Many people disparage this as “office politics”, and just want to be recognized for their work.

As a leader, that’s not going to happen.

Your capital is human capital. Harness it.

3. Poor Communication

Clear Communication is everything. You must be able to articulate:

• Your vision
• Your strategy
• Your expectations
​

If you can’t do that, everything suffers.

What to do:

Clear Communication is a Fundamental 5 leadership skill.

In EVERY issue I’ve EVER faced, a lack of clear expectations was a factor.

Get good at setting expectations:

• With your team
• With your clients
• With your leadership
​

This is a 360 requirement.

4. Failure to Deliver

One of the 4 Core responsibilities of the leader is Task Progress & Results.

Being effective is why you are there.

You need to start stacking wins - quick.

What to do:

To stack wins you’ve got to track wins.

Business moves fast and it’s easy to move from a win right into your next project.

Stop.

Create a Wins Log and write them down. Recognize team wins, no matter how small.

And don’t be shy about telling others about them.

5. Getting In The Weeds

There are two swings to this pendulum:

• Micromanagement
• Lack of Delegation
​

As leader you are no longer an individual contributor.

(Well you are sometimes, but knowing WHEN is important)

What to do:

As leader, the expectation is that you leverage your experience and get more done using your team than you could accomplish on your own.

Your mindset must shift from “get it done” to “delegate everything”.

And if the people you delegate to aren’t capable of getting it done then you must shift from micromanaging to coaching, until they are.

Delegation is another of the Fundamental 5 skills you must develop.

6. Failure To Adapt

Feedback is a gift.

When someone gives you that gift, use it to adapt your approach.

You need to learn from your mistakes, and learn quickly.

Failure to adapt your approach will cause you grief.

What to do:

Take early feedback to heart.

Better yet, go seek it out. Find a mentor or trusted advisor to help you.

Too many new leaders try to figure it out as they go.

Stand on the shoulders of those who came before you.

7. Lack of Strategic Thinking

What got you here won’t get you there.

You were probably promoted due to operational excellence.

As a worker that is your world. But as the leader that is only one side of the coin.

Strategy is the other (arguably more important) side.

What to do:

Don’t get caught up in the operational tasks without setting a clear direction.

Zoom out.

Strategy considers both the miniscule and the big picture.

You need to chart the course.

Leadership is tricky. But it’s also rewarding.

And the ultimate reward comes when you start creating new leaders.

Share this article so it reaches someone who needs it.

Because the rising tide of effective leadership raises all ships.