5 High-Impact Habits for First-Time Leaders

“People don’t leave bad companies. They leave bad managers — and follow great leaders.”

Stepping into your first leadership role is exciting — and terrifying.

Suddenly, you’re not just responsible for your own performance. You’re responsible for the motivation, development, and success of others.

A 2019 Gartner study found that 45% of managers lack confidence in developing their employees’ skills. The good news? Leadership is not an innate trait. Leaders are made, not born.

If you’ve just been promoted (or are preparing to lead a team), here are five high-impact habits that will help you earn trust, inspire growth, and build confidence — in yourself and your team.

1. Acknowledge That Things Are Different Now

If you were promoted from within, this transition can feel awkward. You’re no longer a peer — you’re the boss.

The key is balance: stay approachable but establish authority early.

Show empathy, listen actively, and be transparent about your expectations.
Make one-on-one time with each team member a consistent habit. Ask questions like:

• What’s on your mind?
• What’s working well for you?
• Where are you feeling stuck?
• What do you need from me to succeed?

And don’t forget — positive feedback matters. Be specific, timely, and actionable. People remember how you make them feel.

2.Empower, Don’t Micro-Manage

Most first-time leaders overcorrect. They either hover or disappear.

The best managers know how to strike the balance between guidance and freedom.

Give your team autonomy to make decisions. Let them test ideas and, yes, sometimes fail. That’s how people learn and grow — and how they start to trust you.

When deadlines loom or pressure rises, resist the urge to take over. Instead, ask:

“What support do you need from me right now?”

That one question transforms anxiety into accountability.

3.Learn to Navigate Conflict

Conflict isn’t a failure of leadership — it’s proof that people care.

Avoiding tough conversations only makes small problems grow into big ones.

When tensions rise, buy yourself time before reacting. Practice curiosity instead of control.

Try these phrases:

• “I can see this matters to you. Help me understand your perspective.”
• “It sounds like this situation has been frustrating — how can we move forward together?”

Empathy and active listening don’t mean agreeing with everything. They mean understanding first, then deciding with clarity.

4.Practice Curiosity and Critical Thinking

New leaders often feel pressure to have all the answers. In reality, your job is to ask better questions.

Curiosity fuels innovation. It helps you challenge assumptions and uncover smarter ways of working.

Start with open-ended prompts like:

“What if we tried…?” or “How might we…?”

As Tim Brown, CEO of IDEO, says:

“Curiosity is a great way to lead the charge into the unknown.”

A curious leader turns uncertainty into opportunity.

5.Invest in Your Own Growth

Leadership is not a finish line — it’s a lifelong practice.

Make learning a daily habit. Spend even 15–30 minutes each day on self-development.
Read, listen, reflect.

Not sure where to start? Try this:

• Read leadership classics (Leaders Eat Last, The Coaching Habit, Turn the Ship Around).
• Listen to podcasts or TED Talks on leadership and communication.
• Find a mentor or coach who can help you grow faster and avoid common pitfalls.

The best leaders are always students — of business, of people, and of themselves.

Final Thought

Becoming a first-time leader isn’t about proving yourself — it’s about developing others.

Ease into the role by building these five habits: awareness, empowerment, empathy, curiosity, and self-development.

Because when you grow, your team grows.

Want help building confident, capable first-time leaders in your business?

Contact me at tedb@strategyandexecution.com.au to schedule a free 30-minute discovery meeting.

TED BONEL, SCALING UP PRACTITIONER – STRATEGY & EXECUTION BUSINESS ADVISORS

Are you looking to scale your business and execute strategy with clarity and impact? I help CEOs and founders turn big ideas into real-world results, guiding small to mid-market companies through tailored strategic insights that drive growth.

My expertise lies in simplifying complexity – bridging high-level strategic frameworks with the practical realities of running a business. Unlike many consultants who focus solely on theory or execution, I specialise in both—translating strategy into actionable, transformative steps that deliver lasting results.

Want help building confident, capable first-time leaders in your business?

Contact me at tedb@strategyandexecution.com.au to schedule a free 30-minute discovery meeting.

ABOUT STRATEGY & EXECUTION

For over 20 years, Strategy & Execution has supported leaders and organisations in developing and executing winning strategies. We provide expert facilitation, executive education, and hands-on consulting to help businesses refine their strategic direction and implement it effectively.

Using proven methodologies like Scaling Up, E-Myth Mastery, Outthinker, and more, we challenge conventional thinking and equip organisations with the tools to accelerate growth. Our approach is dynamic—combining deep business experience with practical execution. We don’t just advise; we roll up our sleeves and work alongside you to make strategy happen.

If you’re preparing for a strategy development or execution challenge and are committed to creating real value, we’d love to hear from you. Learn more about our work or upcoming workshops