Mistakes I Made as a New Leader
I remember getting promoted in my first job out of college after one year. I was so excited about the new role, new responsibilities, and the $1500 annual raise it came with. As I walked to work on the first day as a manager, I started to doubt myself. I was going to be supervising a team of 4 people - two of whom were much older and experienced than me, one who was a close friend, and one who was the son of the company president.
Could I actually lead this team?????
If you've been promoted without training, you probably have felt the same way.
Worried about making mistakes and feeling like an imposter.
Trying to figure out how to lead a team you were on without damaging relationships.
Learning to make informed, timely decisions that impact your team and organization.
Juggling team management with personal productivity.
Addressing conflicts directly and constructively on the team.
I wish I had more preparation for this role. Looking back, I actually did a pretty good job for a 22 year-old. But I definitely made some rookie mistakes and learned some lessons the hard way:
I needed to delegate with confidence. Letting go of old tasks doesn’t mean you’re losing control — it means you’re making space for higher-level responsibilities. Identify your team’s strengths and delegate tasks that play to them.
It is ok to to not know everything. Your job isn’t to be the expert in everything but to guide your team to success. Asking questions and seeking input builds trust and opens the door for collaboration.
I should have addressed challenges immediately. Difficult conversations only get harder the longer you wait. Address performance issues with empathy and directness to build a culture of accountability.
I tended to set unrealistic goals because I wanted to prove my worth. Strong leaders balance ambition with realism. Establish goals that challenge your team but are grounded in what’s possible.
If You're a New Manager, Start Here
Find a Mentor: Seek out someone who’s been in your shoes to share advice and perspective.
Invest in Learning: Books, podcasts, coaching or management courses can bridge the knowledge gaps.
Reflect Regularly: Make time each week to consider what’s working and where you can improve.
Every new leader faces a learning curve — but with the right mindset and a willingness to learn, you can transform those rookie mistakes into powerful leadership lessons.
