Art Sponseller, JD, PCC, Senior Executive Coach, www.artsponseller.com
Getting promoted feels amazing. We love the recognition. It makes us feel valued. But starting the new role? That’s when doubt creeps in. You nailed your old job. Now, you feel unqualified. Lost at sea. You’re not alone; everyone experiences it. Here’s how to navigate it.
Clarify Your New Scope
Don’t guess what success looks like. Ask your boss: “What does winning mean now?” Probe how your role differs from before. What outcomes do you own? Clear answers build a strong foundation.
Plan a Clean Break
Set a firm transition date. End old tasks decisively. Communicate your shift widely. Introduce your successor. Redirect emails and calls. Tell colleagues, clients, and friends: “My role has evolved—here’s who handles that now.” This frees you up fast.
Shift to Strategic Focus
Executive roles demand big-picture thinking. Resist diving into details. Define your strategic direction. Prioritize what only you can do. Love some old tasks? You’re great at them? They boost your ego? Let them go. They block your growth.
Seek a Mentor
Find a trusted guide. Someone who’s been there. Learn their strategies. Ask for feedback. Their wisdom speeds your success. Embrace the stretch. You’ve earned this. With these steps, you’ll soon lead with ease.
