What advice would you give to someone who's stepping into a leadership role for the first time? Share one key piece of wisdom based on your own experience.

Question

Navigating the path of leadership for the first time can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be a solitary journey. This article distills valuable advice from seasoned entrepreneurs, offering foundational strategies to thrive as a new leader. Discover how to transition from an individual contributor to an empowering figure who values resilience, motivates teams, and fosters strong connections.

Soubhik Chakrabarti · Answer

Embrace resilience. Let me explain why. When I first stepped into a leadership role, I inherited a team that was months behind on a critical project. Deadlines were slipping, morale was low, and I felt like I'd been handed a sinking ship. My instinct was to fix everything overnight. But pushing harder just burned people out. Then, a key team member quit. That moment taught me resilience isn't about forcing outcomes--it's about adapting your approach without losing focus on the goal. Resilience, to me, is two things: staying calm under pressure and learning faster than the problem grows. After that setback, I shifted from micromanaging to asking my team, 'What's one thing we can fix this week?' Small wins rebuilt confidence. We also started weekly 'retrospectives'--15-minute meetings where we'd name one mistake and one win. That practice turned setbacks into data, not drama. Tools matter. I leaned on mentors who'd faced similar fires. One shared a simple framework: 'Control, Influence, Accept.' List what you control (your reactions), influence (team processes), and accept (external delays). This cut through the noise. I also read Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink--it reframed failure as a leadership problem, not a team flaw. Here's how to act on this: First, build reflection into your routine. Spend 10 minutes daily asking, 'What did I learn today?' Second, normalize feedback. Tell your team, 'Call me out if I'm missing something.' Third, celebrate small recoveries. Did a client call go south, but you salvaged it? Highlight that pivot. The result? That project shipped three months late--but the client stayed because we communicated openly. My team learned to see obstacles as puzzles, not roadblocks. Resilience became our culture. So here's the takeaway: Treat resilience as a skill, not a trait. Practice it daily. When you model adaptability, your team will mirror it. And that's how you turn setbacks into momentum.

Zach Boone · Answer

Remember that true leadership isn't about being 'the boss' or having a title - it's about building a team where everyone feels valued and motivated to excel.
I am the CEO of a home building and renovating company. In this company, I treat my field workers with the same respect and appreciation as I would any executive. And this is because I recognize that the people doing the hands-on work are the backbone of our success. Therefore, I find it important to share the rewards, whether they're material items like branded gear or recognition for a job well done, with my entire team.
Overall, by fostering an environment where everyone feels important and part of a collective effort, I have not only improved morale, but also enhanced the quality of work and overall success of projects. However, this is the case for almost any industry. Just remember that your team's satisfaction will reflect in their work and ultimately in client satisfaction.

Danilo Miranda · Answer

The best guidance I can provide for someone stepping into their first leadership role involves transitioning from a "doer" outlook to becoming an "enabler" of team success. Early in my managing director role, I attempted to take on all tasks personally but soon understood true leadership means enabling team members to achieve success. When leaders delegate tasks efficiently, they create trust with their employees while enabling them to acquire skills and take responsibility for their own work.
Also, I discovered how crucial it is to actively participate in both providing feedback and welcoming it from others. I routinely check in with employees to make sure they receive support and know their voices matter. In my opinion, true leadership means creating a space where people can confidently share their thoughts rather than having all the answers.

Max Shak · Answer

Stepping into a leadership role for the first time can feel like being thrown into deep water-you're excited, but also hyper-aware that you need to swim fast. When I first became a leader, I thought my job was to have all the answers. I quickly learned that great leadership isn't about knowing everything-it's about listening, adapting, and empowering your team.
One key piece of advice I'd give: build trust first, and the rest will follow. Early on at Zapiy.com, I made the mistake of focusing too much on processes and results without fully understanding my team's challenges. Once I took the time to listen, ask for input, and create a culture of open communication, things changed. Productivity improved, and more importantly, people felt valued and motivated.
Leadership isn't about control-it's about creating an environment where people can do their best work. If you trust and support your team, they'll rise to any challenge, and so will you.

Justin Belmont · Answer

Don't act like you have all the answers—because you don't. The biggest mistake new leaders make is thinking they need to be the smartest person in the room. Instead, focus on **listening, learning, and actually trusting your team.** Ask questions, admit when you don't know something, and make decisions based on input, not ego. 
One thing that changed everything for me? **Leading with clarity, not assumptions.** People can't read your mind, so be clear about expectations, feedback, and goals. Leadership isn't about having power—it's about making everyone around you better.

Dhari Alabdulhadi · Answer

Taking on a leadership position marks a key turning point—way to go! You now have the opportunity to mold, motivate, and propel group achievement. Drawing from my time as a CEO, I'd say the most vital tip I can give is to focus on building real connections and showing understanding. Don't just dish out orders. Invest time to get your team members what they hope for, what they're good at, and what they struggle with. Pay close attention when they speak, be open about your weak spots, and make it okay for people to speak their minds. When folks feel appreciated and seen, they're more likely to want to bring their A-game to work. Good leadership isn't about being the boss; it's about creating a team spirit where everyone feels they can chip in and better themselves.

Janki Bhatt · Answer

For the past 15 years, I have been known by different names: Sometimes an entrepreneur, sometimes a business coach, sometimes a business consultant, sometimes a master NLP trainer, and above all, a LEADER!
I have led teams, led my very own business, and led myself through moments of doubt and success. And I realized that the real magic of leadership lies in the ability to inspire not just with your words but with your actions, presence, and through the quiet strength that says, "I believe in you, even when you don't believe in yourself."
Stepping into a leadership role can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking time. So, how can you get to a point where you know what you are doing is right? Try this!
Listen to your people. I have been doing this for a long time, and it works!
You might be surprised at how different their reality is from your perception. Their feedback gives you knowledge and insights into day-to-day life in your organization.
Instill empathy in yourself and consistently try to understand other people's perspectives and attitudes.
Not only will putting others before you and thinking of them as individuals help in developing leadership skills, but it can also uplift your team's success. I tell you, it is an amazing feeling when you realize what you can accomplish if you don't care who gets the credit.
Open and honest communication is one of the most important skills one should have as a leader.
Try to develop a team of independent thinkers responsible for their workload rather than micromanaging them.
When I led as a trainer, I learned that bossing people around is not working anymore, but simply noticing what they know, asking them to share it, and putting everyone's wisdom together is the right thing to do.
Remember my words - You need to get an "A+" on just two things: Results and Relationships.
My key piece of wisdom is to stay hungry and curious. Trust your heart as you lead.
The world needs good leaders.
Be that leader.

Mohamed Moussa · Answer

The biggest lesson I've learned? Don't try to do everything yourself. When I first stepped into a leadership role, I thought I had to have all the answers and handle every little detail-but that's the fastest way to slow your team down. Trust your crew, empower them to make decisions, and give yourself the space to focus on the bigger picture. Your job isn't to micromanage; it's to set the vision, make sure everyone's aligned, and step in only when needed. Once I started letting go of control and actually listening to the expertise around me, everything ran more smoothly. Our guests were happier, the crew felt more valued, and I wasn't drowning in unnecessary stress.
Also, get comfortable with making tough calls. Leadership isn't just about celebrating wins; it's about tackling problems head-on. Whether it's dealing with a difficult team dynamic, an unhappy guest, or a last-minute itinerary change, you have to stay calm, assess the situation, and make the best decision possible-even when it's not the easiest one. People will respect you more for being decisive and fair than being a people pleaser.

David Case · Answer

My key piece of advice for someone stepping into a leadership role for the first time is to prioritize building trust over asserting authority. New leaders, especially those early in their careers, often feel pressured to prove they're "in charge" and to show they know what they're doing. This can backfire if it leads to pretending they have all the answers or failing to listen to their team. Strong leaders have the confidence to admit gaps in their knowledge and actively seek to learn. It's important to remember that no leader is perfect from the start, and that's okay—if you've built trust, your team will support you through mistakes.
Open communication is a vital tool for establishing trust. Early on, it's essential to actively solicit feedback, ideas, and concerns from your team. One effective strategy is to set up one-on-one meetings with each team member during your first few weeks. This allows you to understand individual needs, uncover challenges, and gain insight into where your attention should go. It also demonstrates your leadership style and shows that you value their input. By setting the tone for open dialogue, you create an environment where your team feels comfortable sharing their thoughts, knowing you have their best interests in mind.
These early conversations also provide an excellent opportunity to set clear expectations for the team. When everyone understands how success is defined, it builds trust because employees know what's required to excel. Consistently meeting those expectations and recognizing those who go above and beyond reinforces the trust you've built. If you invest in this trust-building process, your authority will naturally follow.

James McNally · Answer

New leaders must learn to stay adaptable and receptive to change. I've learned that adaptability was vital during my early leadership days because sticking to a fixed plan could not effectively handle unexpected challenges in our fast-moving industry. My leadership effectiveness improved while operations stayed smooth because I accepted feedback and continuously adapted my strategies.
The self-drive vehicle rental business thrives on unpredictability, and resilience grows in teams that maintain flexibility. New leaders should practice transparent communication while setting a positive example and rely on their team's specialized knowledge. The ability to change direction and learn from experiences develops confidence while promoting ongoing expansion in competitive industries.

Cory Arsic · Answer

Lead by listening. Entering into leadership for the first time is overwhelming, but the best way is to show an interest in those around you. Leadership is not about knowing it all-it's about having good questions. The team already has good ideas, and slowing down to figure out what they are working on and how they are thinking begins the process of establishing trust. When people feel heard, they engage more and contribute better solutions.
Early on, making decisions without input seemed like the fastest way to establish authority. But the best results came from stepping back and letting the team share their perspectives. A major success happened when feedback was prioritized over rigid plans. The changes suggested led to measurable improvements, and the process strengthened collaboration. Strong leadership starts with creating space for others to succeed.
A leader who listens builds a stronger, more motivated team. The impact of thoughtful leadership lasts longer than any single decision.

Chris Hunter · Answer

The greatest leadership lesson I've learned that I'd share would be this: as a new leader, talk less, listen and absorb more. Always introduce yourself to your changing team before jumping to conclusions; assess their problems, strengths, and weaknesses. Leaders who respect their teams get the job done and are admired and valued in return. You don't have to be a comprehensive leader; you can be a leader who empowers and encourages your team to use their strengths to solve their weaknesses for a broader goal. Communication is critical; be transparent and present, be adaptable and always lead by example.

Bjørn Ekeberg · Answer

Stepping into a leadership role for the first time can be both exciting and overwhelming. One key piece of advice I'd offer is to embrace delegation early. Many new leaders struggle with the transition from being an individual contributor to managing a team, often feeling the need to do everything themselves, but leadership is about empowering your team to succeed. 
Trust in your people, identify their strengths, and give them ownership of tasks. This helps scale your impact and also builds a culture of collaboration and accountability. Effective delegation creates an environment where others can lead and grow. When your team thrives, you also thrive as a leader.

Dr. Erkeda DeRouen · Answer

Listen more than you talk. You can have all the ideas, but you need to know how your team is feeling. Those on the front line know more than you. Being a great listener will give you an opportunity to build relationships, as well as identify skills and talents in your team that could push the organization forward while retaining internal talent.

Jeff Matlow · Answer

The skills that got you to the leadership role aren't the skills that will make you successful as a leader.
Most often it's the Managers and Directors who are focused on execution. They're immersed in the day-to-day of getting stuff done.
The ones who are most effective and productive in those roles get elevated to leadership. However, once you become a leader, the usual expectation is that you will be less focused on execution, and more on strategy, prioritization, influencing other executives and making more high-stakes decisions with incomplete information.
Most companies don't teach you how to make that transition.Any new leader that is committed to growing in their career should hire a leadership coach to, at the very least, help guide you through the first 90 days.
The thing about being a new leader, is that you don't know what you don't know. It's important to have somebody on your side that you can trust who has been through it before; somebody who can help navigate the way to set boundaries, to play the politics and keep your team accountable.
Getting your leadership foundation in order from the beginning will help elevate your career faster than you can do it on your own.

Jm Littman · Answer

The best advice I can give to someone stepping into a leadership role for the first time is that it's all about communication. Leadership isn't about having all the answers-it's about listening, understanding, and making sure your team knows exactly what's expected of them. Clear, open, and honest communication builds trust, prevents misunderstandings, and keeps everyone aligned toward the same goals.
Early on, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to prove yourself by making big decisions quickly or asserting authority. But real leadership comes from earning respect, not demanding it. Take the time to understand your team, ask questions, and be approachable. When people feel heard and valued, they're more engaged, more productive, and more likely to follow your lead.
Mistakes will happen-it's part of the process. The key is to own them, learn from them, and keep moving forward. If you communicate well, support your team, and stay adaptable, you'll grow into the role and become the kind of leader people want to work with.

Tansha Casarez · Answer

Step into leadership with the mindset of a scientist, not a superhero--your job isn't to have all the answers, but to ask the right questions, experiment, and adapt. Many first-time leaders believe they need to immediately prove their authority or fix every problem at once. But real leadership isn't about acting like you have superpowers--it's about running smart experiments, learning from failures, and adjusting in real time. Instead of making assumptions, test your ideas like a hypothesis: * What does your team actually need? Observe before changing things. * What small, low-risk changes can you try first? Experiment instead of overhauling. * What feedback can refine your approach? Iterate based on results. Great leaders don't fear uncertainty--they manage it. You'll gain more respect by being adaptable and open to learning than by pretending to have all the answers.

Mohammad Haqqani · Answer

One of the most important lessons in leadership is knowing when to step forward and when to step back. When things go well, great leaders step back and give credit to their team. When challenges arise, they step forward, take responsibility, and focus on solutions. This balance builds trust and respect, showing your team that you're not just leading from above but alongside them.
Giving credit isn't just about recognition-it's about reinforcing a culture where people feel valued for their contributions. When employees see their work acknowledged, they become more engaged, motivated, and committed to the team's success. A leader who consistently highlights team efforts creates an environment where collaboration thrives, and people are encouraged to bring their best ideas forward. On the other hand, a leader who hoards recognition fosters resentment and disengagement, ultimately weakening the team.
Taking responsibility, especially in difficult moments, is equally critical. Owning mistakes-without defensiveness or excuses-demonstrates integrity and accountability. It shifts the focus from blame to problem-solving, creating a team culture where setbacks are seen as opportunities to learn rather than failures to fear. When leaders take responsibility, it gives their team the psychological safety to take initiative, experiment, and grow without fear of undue repercussions.
Ultimately, leadership isn't about personal accolades-it's about elevating those around you. The most respected leaders understand that their success is a direct reflection of their team's success. By giving credit generously and taking responsibility fully, you build a foundation of trust, loyalty, and high performance-qualities that define truly exceptional leadership.

Yancy Forsythe · Answer

My advice to someone stepping into a leadership role for the first time is to listen more than you speak. When I first became a leader, I felt pressure to have all the answers, but I quickly learned that great leadership starts with understanding your team's needs, challenges, and ideas.
One key piece of wisdom I've gained is that trust and respect aren't given-- they're earned through consistency, transparency, and accountability. Instead of trying to prove yourself right away, focus on building relationships, setting clear expectations, and leading by example. The best leaders don't just manage people-- they empower them.

Payal Gupta · Answer

One key piece of advice for someone stepping into a leadership role for the first time is to listen and learn before leading. Leadership isn't just about making decisions; it's about understanding your team, their strengths, and the challenges they face. Take the time to observe, ask questions, and build relationships. When your team feels heard and valued, they will be more motivated to work with you toward shared goals.
I remember when we promoted a talented engineer to a leadership role on a critical simulation project. Instead of rushing to implement changes, he spent the first few weeks understanding team dynamics, identifying pain points, and encouraging open discussions. By doing this, he gained trust and discovered inefficiencies that had gone unnoticed. With this insight, he introduced small but impactful changes that boosted productivity and improved collaboration. His approach not only strengthened the team's confidence in him but also led to the successful completion of a high-stakes project.
True leadership is about empowering others, not just directing them. When you focus on learning and supporting your team first, success follows naturally.

Georgi Petrov · Answer

Stepping into a leadership role for the first time can feel overwhelming, but one key lesson I've learned is to prioritize listening over talking. Early on, I thought leadership meant having all the answers, but I quickly realized that understanding my team's strengths, concerns, and ideas was far more valuable. Taking the time to listen helped me build trust, foster collaboration, and make more informed decisions.
I also found that setting clear expectations and leading by example made a huge difference. If I wanted accountability and a strong work ethic from my team, I had to demonstrate those qualities myself. Leadership isn't about controlling every detail but empowering others to succeed. By staying open to feedback, embracing continuous learning, and focusing on clear communication, I was able to transition into leadership more effectively while gaining the respect and confidence of my team.

Dennis Shirshikov · Answer

Hello, and thanks for reaching out! I've guided classrooms from kindergarten to middle school and founded an elementary school in New York City, so leadership has woven itself into the fabric of my career. Today, I'm the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Academic Officer at Fullmind, where I focus on building teams of inspiring educators and developing academic frameworks that serve students nationwide. 
What advice would you give to someone stepping into a leadership role for the first time? Share one key piece of wisdom based on your own experience.
My core advice is to step in with curiosity rather than certainty, because you'd be amazed at how much more trust you build when you're open about what you don't know as well as what you do. True leadership, in my experience, often hinges on the ability to ask good questions and let your team see that you're there to learn right alongside them.
When I first founded an elementary school, I discovered that listening for what truly mattered-students' needs, teachers' perspectives, families' concerns-was more valuable than simply issuing directives. The same holds true in my current role at Fullmind, where new ideas often come from the most unexpected sources, such as a second-year teacher who notices a subtle engagement strategy or a parent who shares a fresh perspective on virtual learning.
Best regards,
Hayley Spira-BauerChief Operating Officer & Chief Academic Officer at [Fullmindlearning.com](https://fullmindlearning.com/)Progressive School Founder | Teach for America Alum | Lifelong EducatorHost of the "Learning Can't Wait" Podcast[Podcast](https://podcast.learningcantwait.com/) | [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayley-spira-bauer/)

Tim Hanson · Answer

Understand the damn process before you try to manage it. The biggest mistake I see first-time leaders make is attempting to direct work they've never done themselves. When we built Penfriend, I mapped out every single step a human takes to create content - all 22+ decision points - before I even thought about delegating or automating it. This deep process understanding is the foundation of good leadership.
You can't effectively lead people in doing something if you can't clearly articulate what "good" looks like. So get your hands dirty first. Do the work. Understand the challenges. Then when you step into leadership, you'll actually know what reasonable expectations look like, where the common failure points are, and how to evaluate quality. Your team will respect you for it too - nothing destroys credibility faster than a leader who gives vague directions because they don't actually understand the work. The best leaders I've seen don't just delegate tasks - they transfer knowledge, context, and vision along with those tasks.

Matt Harrison · Answer

My best piece of advice for first-time leaders is to really focus on building relationships with your team. Building rapport is foundational. Remember, leadership is not about giving orders; it is about inspiring and motivating people. And that begins with trust and mutual understanding.
Outside of this being an absolute recipe for disaster, if you're leading a team that doesn't feel they have your care and concern, then you will likely face a very difficult time executing. They could misread your motivation, be reluctant to raise issues, or just disengage. Developing a relationship builds trust, which is what allows two people to communicate freely, give honest feedback, and work toward a common goal.
I have learned from my own experience that building rapport isn't about being the best friend of everyone. It is about being real, relatable, and expressing genuine curiosity in your people as people. Invest time in knowing who they are, their strengths, weaknesses, and career goals.
One of the most effective ways I have found to bridge the employee connect is to create touchpoints of informal interaction, be it team lunches, casual conversations, or just reaching out to them regularly to see how they are doing. It's also about listening and showing empathy. When your team members feel that you hear and understand them, they're more likely to trust your leadership and be committed to the success of the team.

Naima Ch · Answer

One piece of wisdom I would give to someone is to listen more than you speak. When I first stepped into leadership, I thought I had to have all the answers. But real leadership isn't about having all the solutions - it's about empowering your team, understanding their challenges, and fostering collaboration. The best leaders create space for others to contribute, building trust and leading to better decisions. By actively listening, you'll gain insights that help you guide your team effectively while earning their respect.

25 Pieces of Advice for First-Time Leaders from Experienced Entrepreneurs

25 Pieces of Advice for First-Time Leaders from Experienced Entrepreneurs

Embrace Resilience and Adaptability

Value and Motivate Your Team

Transition from Doer to Enabler

Build Trust First and Listen

Lead with Clarity and Trust

Focus on Building Real Connections

Inspire with Actions and Presence

Trust Your Team and Make Decisions

Prioritize Building Trust and Open Communication

Stay Adaptable and Receptive to Change

Lead by Listening and Asking Questions

Talk Less, Listen and Absorb More

Embrace Delegation Early

Listen More Than You Talk

Develop New Skills for Leadership

Prioritize Communication and Understanding

Lead Like a Scientist, Not a Superhero

Know When to Step Forward and Back

Listen More Than You Speak

Listen and Learn Before Leading

Prioritize Listening Over Talking

Step in with Curiosity, Not Certainty

Understand the Process Before Managing It

Focus on Building Relationships with Team

Listen More Than You Speak