Being great at your job doesn’t automatically make you a great leader. In this episode, leadership coach Joe Raasch joins me to break down the challenges new managers face when stepping into leadership for the first time. We discuss the mindset shift from individual contributor to people leader, how to stop micromanaging, and why leadership is more than just getting things done.

You were a top performer, a go-to expert, the one everyone relied on. Then you got promoted. Now, instead of doing the work, you're leading the people who do. But no one really prepares you for the shift.

Stepping into leadership is about more than just getting promoted. It’s a whole new skill set, one that many new managers struggle to develop. If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing at leadership, questioned whether you made the right choice, or found yourself slipping back into old habits, you’re not alone.

In this episode, leadership coach Joe and I dive into:

• Why so many top performers struggle as new managers
• The difference between doing the work and leading the people
• How micromanaging isn’t always about control, it’s about comfort
• The tough reality of leading former coworkers and why it can feel lonely
• How to start proving yourself as a leader before you even have the title

• Why leadership is a people job, not a process job
• How to shift from task-doer to team-builder
• Ways to build leadership skills before officially stepping into a role

If this episode helped you, leave a review and let me know what resonated most. Your feedback helps more new managers find the show. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn, or book a call with him on his website!

Check out the episode 5 Truths No One Told You About Becoming a Manager