When you are promoted from an individual contributor role into a leadership position, your job is going to undergo some fundamental changes, both in a practical day-to-day sense and in terms of the emotional and psychological impact.

To make a successful transition, you will need to adapt accordingly. This will require a shift in your focus and mindset, as well as a commitment to adopting leadership disciplines that will underpin your success.

What exactly is going to change? Let’s start by looking at five key areas.

1) Your friends are no longer your friends. If you’re promoted to lead the team that you were once a part of, a relationship reset may be necessary. Effective leadership demands that you be even-handed in your treatment of every team member. Playing favorites (on any basis other than performance) will erode your team’s motivation and commitment. Read More