I need some advice.

Cathryn Derrick

July 16,2023 at 10:42AM UTC

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I need some advice.

I going to be getting a promotion from my current job. I work in a really niche job and have only been there a year. I didn’t apply for it but was chosen by my manager. The promotion would put be above people who have been with the team longer than I have been there. I want to do well at my new role. What free classes or book do you recommend to those who are transitioning to-a team lead role from being a regular member?

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AnonymousJuly 16,2023 at 12:56PM UTC
This is a great question.
I too am leading my old team and would like the same advice. I have found the book which is available on Audible called From Bud to Boss. I am following to gain more insight from others.
Cathryn DerrickJuly 16,2023 at 3:12PM UTC
Thank you! I need all the help I can get.
AnonymousJuly 16,2023 at 1:08PM UTC
Book recommendation: What Got You Here Won't Get You There, by Marshall Goldsmith. It's about shifting from being an individual contributor to being a manager. I wish every supervisor who was promoted for being a good individual contributor would read this!
https://www.amazon.com/What-Got-Here-Wont-There/dp/1781251568/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1689512619&sr=8-1
Cathryn DerrickJuly 16,2023 at 3:13PM UTC
Thank you! This will be a huge help!
Jamie LeeJuly 16,2023 at 3:31PM UTC
you might benefit from reaching "Making Conflict Work: Harnessing the Power of Disagreement"
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0544148398
This book breaks down the types, sources, and solutions to power conflicts in the workplace, one of them being when you get promoted and have to manage the folks who were once your peers.
One of the authors (an Ivy League psychologist) had the same experience and talks about how he coped with the conflict at work in a frank way.
Cathryn DerrickJuly 16,2023 at 3:43PM UTC
Thank you! I didn’t think about conflict resolution.
GretchenJuly 17,2023 at 12:35PM UTC
FWIW, no matter the books you read - and they can help - be sure you acknowledge your workers and appreciate what they bring to the table, CONSTANTLY. Awareness of skills they have that you don’t is key to your credibility and humility goes a long way.
Cathryn DerrickJuly 17,2023 at 2:43PM UTC
Thank you I know it comes with experience and time but any words like this help more than you know
Mary PoolJuly 17,2023 at 1:35PM UTC
Magic Words by Jonah Berger. It is about phraseology and what a difference using the correct phrasing can make.
AnonymousJuly 17,2023 at 5:06PM UTC
I can't specifically recommend any books but do know there will possibly be some ruffled feathers. Sit each person down and find out what they need from you in the new role and be sure to let them know you are still supporting their success too in the new role you are taking on. If any of them will be reporting to you directly you could ask the manager to help you understand areas with need for improvement before you inherit these things. Congrats!
Monette AndersonJuly 17,2023 at 9:27PM UTC
There's a book called from Bud to Boss that's good- it relates to specifics on this topic and had some really specific stuff- but overall in taking on a new team I found the following 2 way more applicable: Brene Brown's Dare to Lead is just overall helpful for communication. I also love Radical Candor. Two personal things that helped me were just acknowledging the awkwardness and being a little vulnerable that I was learning and this was new for me too. For instance, I had a coworker who kept misreading things I was saying which I think came from her insecurities about her new boss and didn't match my interpretation of our conversations so just working through it together (can you give me examples? etc) and then being able to put a name on it "it's just awkward while we get the hang of this or develop our new relationship. I may not always be saying everything perfectly while I work through this new relationship either so let's be open and assume best intentions". Congratulations on your new job! These were the things I found most helpful and hope they will helpful for you.
Cindy GloverJuly 17,2023 at 10:16PM UTC
Thanks for the suggestion