Overwhelmed in your new leadership role? Read this
I recently received an email from an administrator and coaching client who's grappling with the challenges of a new leadership role. Take a moment to see if this situation sounds familiar:
Question: "I've just started this new interim leadership position, and it's been a rollercoaster! All the time-management tricks I used to swear by have gone out the window. I'm drowning in daily tasks and meetings, and it feels like trying to sip water from a firehose. Any tips on how to get a grip on this chaos and find a starting point to manage all this work?"
Her experience struck a chord with me, as I've often encountered this sentiment while working with high achievers over the years.
Interim leadership roles are unique in that they often require individuals to step into a challenging, high-responsibility position temporarily. These roles can be a whirlwind of tasks and strategic initiatives, even if they are short-term. So, whether you're already in such a role or considering taking one on, let me share some advice I offered my client.
My Response: First off, congratulations on a new leadership position! Keep in mind that the initial phase in an interim role can be overwhelming, but this temporary turbulence is part of the adjustment process.
Here are some actionable steps to help you take control of your new responsibilities and avoid treading water:
It’s time to hyper-focus: Prioritize urgent tasks and selectively ignore less critical ones. It's time to dive in and tackle what matters most. Avoid getting bogged down in tasks that can wait.
Embrace stewardship over overhaul: As an interim leader, concentrate on actions that truly benefit the organization. Don't attempt to overhaul everything; instead, focus on meaningful changes or quality maintenance. Set clear expectations for yourself and communicate your strategic focus areas to those around you.
Learn your team, lean into your team: While you might be accustomed to working independently for speedy results, effective leadership means guiding people and processes to achieve goals as a team. Delegate tasks based on strengths, empowering team members for shared success. While this approach might demand more time, it instills a sense of empowerment in others, harnesses their perspectives and abilities, and ultimately fosters a sense of ownership and shared goals.
Beat burnout: While it may seem like there aren't enough hours in the day, don't let work bleed into your downtime. Establish personal boundaries to safeguard your well-being. Try hiring strategic personal services to take a load off at home, check email only at specified times of the day, or having a "meeting-free" day each week.
Check out our brief 6-minute video, "Mastering Interim Leadership Roles," for more strategies.
