What to do after getting promoted: how to transition into your new role
All the hard work, long hours, and persistence have paid off and earned you a well-deserved promotion. But as exciting as it is, stepping into a new role, especially a leadership one, can be a big shift. You’re not just levelling up; you’re stepping into a space where people will see you differently and expect more from you.
This blog will provide you with practical tips and give you the honest truths that you might not have heard before so that you can excel in your new role.
Quick Links
- How to prepare for the transition
- What to expect – truths and tips
- What to do when the promoted role starts
How to prepare for the transition
Before you step into your new role, take some time to shift gears mentally. Your responsibilities, how people interact with you, and how you’re expected to lead your new team will all change. With the right preparation and planning, you can take these changes in expectation in your stride.
What to expect – truths and tips
Here’s what you can expect as you step into your new position, along with actionable advice to help you handle it like the role was designed for you.
Increased workload
With a promotion comes a step up in workload. It’s a bigger role with more complexity, and yes, it might feel like a lot at first. But remember, you were promoted because leadership saw your potential and they know you can handle it.
Start by getting clear on how your new workload differs from your old one. Schedule a meeting with your manager to discuss expectations and make notes of what tasks or responsibilities are new.
Make sure that you clarify exactly whether you’ll be managing others, if there are new tools or systems you’ll need to learn, and what projects will now fall under your control. If your role involves a specific software, take a crash course. If you’ll be managing people for the first time, consider reading up on effective leadership or enrolling in a quick course.
Increased responsibility
Because of your promotion, your decisions will now carry more weight, particularly if they affect your team. With more authority comes higher stakes; if something goes wrong, the blame could land on you. But if things go well, you should be credited for leading the team there.
Reflect on your past experiences with leadership. Think about the managers who supported and inspired you, and also the ones who didn’t. What aspects would you like to replicate, and what aspects would you prefer to leave firmly in the past? Allow these reflections to guide your own leadership style.
Discomfort in work relationships
Transitioning from peer to manager can be awkward. Friends might act differently, and some colleagues may feel uncertain or even resentful. Your previous role had its own habits and dynamics, and adjusting to this new one might feel a bit uncomfortable at first.
Addressing the shift with honesty and openness will build trust by setting clear expectations and being consistent. Develop open lines of communication and show your team you care about their input. Ask questions such as how they prefer to receive feedback, how they like to resolve conflict, and what a healthy working relationship looks like to them. By willingly opening this dialogue, you will help to ease tension and show respect for your team.
Learning curves
No one expects you to have all the answers or to drive major change on day one. The first phase of your promotion is all about learning, soaking up information, understanding team dynamics, figuring out how you fit into the bigger picture, and settling into your role as a manager.
Allow yourself to make mistakes, and when you do, treat them as learning opportunities. This mindset not only makes the transition easier, but it also positions you as a leader who’s adaptable and growth-oriented.
What to do when the promoted role starts
Now that you’ve stepped into the role, it’s time to apply what you’ve prepared for. Here’s how to stay proactive, organised, and confident in your new leadership space.
Take time to understand what you need to learn in your role
By taking the time to clarify your new responsibilities, you can better understand what is expected of you, how your performance will be evaluated, and what skills you may need to develop.
If possible, speak to your predecessor to gain insights that can smooth your transition and give you a head start.
Set out some goals
Create a roadmap for success by setting measurable goals using the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). For example, you might aim to complete your onboarding and master new tools by the end of the first month, hold one-to-one meetings with each team member within six weeks, or improve project delivery times within your first quarter.
Don’t just set and forget these goals; track your progress with monthly or quarterly reviews, and regularly check in with your manager to make sure you’re on the right track and staying accountable.
Conduct an audit of your systems
With more responsibilities on your plate, staying organised becomes essential. Think about how you managed tasks in your previous role. Are those methods still effective? If not, upgrade your system.
You might now need to manage onboarding for new hires, lead multiple projects, or track team performance. For example, if you’re now responsible for training, having a centralised hub for training notes, catch-ups, and assignments will help you stay on top of everything.
Mentoring your team
As a leader, one of your key responsibilities is supporting your team, which might include guiding their growth, helping them overcome challenges, celebrating their wins, and even supporting their well-being at work. If someone struggles with prioritisation, help them create a plan. If another wants more responsibility, find opportunities to let them lead.
Plus, strong leadership doesn’t go unnoticed; your ability to elevate others reflects positively on you and can pave the way for your own future promotions.
Transitions can be tough, but they’re also opportunities to grow and shine. Use the tips above to guide your next steps, stay intentional, and lead with clarity. Good luck in your new role!
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