Mistakes new leaders make
When taking on a new leadership role, making a bad first impression can set a negative tone that can be hard to shake. According to Heidi Grant Halvorson, PhD, associate director for the Motivation Science Center at Columbia University Business School, new and veteran managers should avoid making the following mistakes:
• Acting like you know and can do everything. Instead, convey a realistic sense of confidence and modesty to avoid setting unrealistic goals.
• Being too businesslike, especially when managing former peers. Instead try to appear warm and competent.
• Advertising your “crazy” (i.e., your temptations, impulses, and bad habits). Research shows that people don’t trust those who appear to lack self-control or willpower.