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Three Common Mistakes New Leaders Make (and How to Avoid Them)

This is a guest post by Scott Eblin, author of The Next Level: What Insiders Know About Executive Success. Scott is also an executive coach, speaker, blogger, and Twitter user. He is a former Fortune 500 HR executive, president of The Eblin Group and graduate of Davidson College, Harvard University, and Georgetown University’s leadership coaching certificate program, where he is also on the faculty.

Taking over a new leadership role can be a pretty exciting moment in any executive’s career. It can also be one of the most dangerous. Research conducted by the Center for Creative Leadership shows that up to 40 percent of newly promoted managers and executives are no longer in their roles within 18 months of a promotion.

Man Climbing a Corporate Ladder - Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto.com/ftwitty, Image #10153626

Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto.com/ftwitty

What goes wrong? In surveys and focus groups with thousands of executives, researchers at Indiana University’s Kelly School of Business identified some common reasons why new leaders can run off the rails. Some of the top derailers are:

If you are just getting started with Evernote, I suggest that you buy Brett Kelly’s remarkably practical e-book, Evernote Essentials, Second Edition. It is worth setting aside a couple hours to work through this brief, 95-page book. It will save you DAYS of learning Evernote on your own.

  • Ineffective communications skills
  • Weak relationships
  • Failure to clarify expectations

Fortunately, there are three simple things that new leaders can do to increase the odds of success. The successful executives that I interviewed for The Next Level recommend that newly promoted leaders do these things in their first month on the new job:

  1. Meet and Greet: A top priority for any new leader is to get to know the key players in the organization. Leaders need to be multi-directional early and:
    • Look up and down the chain to top management and direct reports.
    • Look left and right to the peers on the leadership team.
    • Look diagonally to the people recognized as the experts and influencers in the organization.
    • Look outside the organization to key customers and other stakeholders.
  2. Listen More, Talk Less: Those early conversations should be dedicated to asking some common questions of the stakeholders. The new leader’s goal should be to learn the organization as quickly as possible. That can be accomplished by listening more and talking less. By asking a set of common questions, leaders can begin to see the patterns about what matters most in their new job. Some good questions to ask include:
    • What are the key outcomes that will make this year successful for you and your team?
    • What kind of support would you like to see from me and my team to support your success
    • What is working well that my team should keep doing?
    • What would you like to see my team start doing or stop doing to be more effective?
    • What do I need to know about my new job that people are unlikely to tell me?
  3. Find Out What Success Looks Like: The most important question that new leaders need to ask is this:

    What do you think success looks like for my team six, twelve and twenty four months from now?”

By comparing and contrasting the different answers to this question, a new leader can sort through what’s expected and begin to identify who can help.

Do these three suggestions sound like common sense advice? Sure they do, but the high rate of new leader failure suggests they’re often not implemented.

If you want to succeed at a higher level, you’ve got to build a strong foundation for success. These three basic ideas provide a proven process for getting started.

When I posted this, I also gave away 100 copies of the book to those who commented. They answered the question: “Why do you want a copy of this book?”
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Posted on October 19, 2010

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  • http://Twitter.com/FriarWade FriarWade

    Hugh and Tye are both in similar leadership situations – family, business, community, church and civic groups. Tye might read this book to gain a more secure footing at work. While Hugh can see that these principles apply in all relational situations. After several months have passed since reading the book… Tye wants to be like Hugh.

    In other words, I pray that there is a multiplication effect after I receive a book from you. Not only do I recognize my need for growth in leadership praxis, but I will incorporate the practical wisdom to help families, especially fathers who want to properly and successfully lead. These fathers are often thrust into leadership roles with little to no preparation. They might be a successfully manager at work, but can't seem to transfer that success to their home.

    Not only do I promise to read the book, I'll put it into practice and sow it again, making a difference.

    Thanks for your consideration.

    Fr. Wade+

  • Andrew VanDerLinden

    As a young Pastor and leader I am always reading. This looks like a book anyone wanting to grow in leadership could benefit from.

  • Batreader

    Why do I want a book on leadership – because I'm fed up being the last person in the room when responsibility is doled out, that's why! I want to head those slacking varmints off at the pass and head for the high ground where we can see how to get things done.

  • http://twitter.com/fredh20s @fredh20s

    I'm a fairly new executive leader and I'm already realizing how when I make those mistakes it effects the mission and the momentum. I would love to read this book and to continue on my journey of life long learning.

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  • austindhill

    I am in still relatively new in my position as a youth pastor in my church. I have been here for a year now and I'm wishing I had heard this advice when I first began. There has been a history of turnover in my position as I was the 4th youth pastor in 4 years. I'm hoping to stop this trend. This book would be a tremendous help as I'm still learning new things about the church and what people expect of me.

    I have recently made it a goal to spend at least 5 nights a week reading non fiction in some of my personal time. If I won this book, it would make it to the top of my nighttime nonfiction reading list.

  • Greg Brown

    I'm an Associate Head Women's Basketball Coach at the University of Central Florida. My goal is to be a head coach in the next two years. I'm preparing for that transition, the three items you list are exactly what I'm looking for in that preparation.

  • Greg Brown

    As an Associate Head basketball coach at the Division 1 Level. My next goal is to become a Head Coach. Which is the "next level" of leadership. Coaching is leadership, leadership is coaching and they are both influencers. Looking for every opportunity and advantage to succeed as a leader.

  • http://mondycano.com mondy cano

    i like free stuff and ill read and blog about the book if given to me! thanks! and i also loved your workshop at #cat10

  • Charles Gambrell

    To have a copy of the book to explore more deeply the three mistakes mentioned here and their corrections would be great. I am especially interested in asking about "what success looks like" in the months to come. To find out the visions people have and bring the people and visions together to see what is shared and what is is not, would go far, it seems to me, to toward having a truly shared vision.

  • stevensc

    I would love a copy of this book! We live only 40 minutes away from Indiana University, but this is the first I have heard about this book. I am an Assistant Principal at a Jr-Sr High School. Schools are certainly under the media's microscope for issues like test scores and bullying. My team and I are looking to turn our school into a four-star school. It's never been done before, and there's a high poverty rate in our district. I'm hoping this book could give me some ideas of how to lead this change more effectively. I promise to read it, and even discuss it on my blog.

  • fghart

    I'm 10 months into my new position as the Acting Director in charge of US operations for a Taiwanese company. Two months ago I met the executive team in Taiwan for the first time. I missed the recommended "within the first 30 days" by a fair margin but otherwise I seem to be managing along the line of the suggestions outlined here.

    I just returned from my second trip to Taiwan, following up with some of the vertical and diagonal communication. I also made the rounds with key customer contacts (again, meeting with multiple layers diagonally and horizontally). Because we're pioneering a new business model, in many cases the people I'm meeting with have not thought about what our success looks like. I'm finding that by painting a landscape for them they are able to envision and expand upon a variety of possibilities.

    I am very interested in learning more about the potential pitfalls I need to be anticipating and avoiding. If I get a copy of your book, I will definitely read it!

  • http://twitter.com/hoooidu @hoooidu

    I was one of the 40%… and just now I'm starting again at a Non-Profit organisation.

  • haydeeang

    Hmm.. I don’t need this book, but I’d love to give a copy to my boss because he will be interested to read it, and cos he’s been so good & gracious to me, I’d like to see him happy.
    Thank you!

  • Scotty Wheeler

    I have been involved in mentoring and leadership courses and development for many years now, one way I believe is vital to grow a group; a team; a church to expand these I must expand myself in learning, developing myself, in knowledge. I must learn from those who are ahead of me.

    Living in Perth, Western Australia I crave to learn more so having sources like books outside of Australia, from somewhere bigger, I can learn from people who live bigger and are willing to share valuable information, I promise myself this book will be added to my list of ‘to read’ and read asap.

    Thank you

    Scotty Wheeler

  • http://twitter.com/jAdamRobertson @jAdamRobertson

    Thanks for the post. I have experienced many aspects of good management and bad management in my brief career. I am always looking for new ideas, tips, or suggestions that will help me further my career. I am preparing for a transition in from my current duties (within the same organization) to a more demanding position. I am certainly appreciative of help that is available. I look forward to reading The Next Level and applying what others have already learned…and maybe I can avoid some of their mistakes.

  • John Alexander

    I want this book because I lead 100+ volunteers in a youth ministry. Leadership is even more crucial when people follow voluntarily. I promise to read this book and then blog about it.

  • John Alexander

    I first heard about this offer through twitter by the way

  • Jacinta

    As a soon to be employed corporate attorney, I look toward to learning the principles shared in The Next Level and applying and teaching those principles in my work, community and church endeavors, while also mentoring others.

  • http://Crosspointcommunity.wordpress.com Kevin Jack

    I love how simple and practical the advice is. Listen more and talk less is the most obvious thing in the world but how few people (including me) actually employ it as a strategy. I desperately need to read the portions on meet and greet. I’m very type A and struggle with taking the time to do that. This book would be first on my reading list.

  • myfullcup

    This book looks so very good. (I literally almost put "delicious") I would love a copy because I love to read. I would also love to review it on my blog. (because that's what I do)

    I posted a link on Twitter and facebook.

    Now I'm off to fill out the handy-dandy- contact form. :)

  • http://www.Facebook.com/AtlantaChiropractor Dr. Jose Guevara

    Hello Michael, as a young business owner I'm always looking for succesful leaders to follow and mimic. I believe a mentor and/or coach is something everyone should have if they are to be succesful. I believe listening to someone who's been there and allowing yourself to be coached will make your learning experiences faster and you will learn from the mistakes they made so you can reach the success ladder quicker.

    I never read many books before but I've learned that there's so much you can learn from reading what others preach and putting their thoughts into action.

    • http://www.scotteblin.com Scott Eblin

      Hi Jose – Thanks for your comments. Particularly resonate with your comments about mentoring and coaching. One of my objectives with The Next Level is to help leaders build their coaching skills. I hope it's helpful to you in that way. All the best – Scott

  • http://twitter.com/mekalav @mekalav

    As always First Michael thanks for the amazing posts that you give us every day.

    Book mentioned here "Three Common Mistakes new Leaders Make" seems to be the book for me as working in a corporate culture have seen all aspects of corporate life.

    Have groomed myself to the position of leading teams in s smaller scale but I'm moving towards taking a bigger team management roles,so this book i guess is a perfect opportunity for me to enhance my knowledge and implement it in my working style.

    Thanks for this amazing effort ,it helps people like us to grow.

  • Shane

    I would love a copy of The Next Level. As an associate pastor who will one day be a lead pastor, I think this could be a great resource for me and some of my friends in similar places. It sounds so common sense, but I find that I sometimes need a push on the backside to do what is common sense and important before what is urgent and pressing.

  • Shanta

    I’d love a copy of this book. I need a copy for research and application purposes. I’m a doctorate student and I choose sources/publications that are innovative and Christ-centered. I write to inform, inspire and connect leaders with tools that will enhance their organization and improve effectiveness for the Glory of the Lord- much like Mr.Hyatt :)

  • http://www.coachosterman.com osterman@usf.edu

    I think there is alot that I can learn – but also pass onto our team (and make a difference)

  • Brian M.

    I am currently taking classes to earn my principal's license through the Inspired Leadership Program at Cleveland State University. I posted your blog to a discussion board for a class assignment. We just finished "Start With Why" by Simon Sinek. Although "The Next Level" and "Start With Why" are for the business world, these type of books make educators think about applications to educational leadership. "The Next Level" would be great for my personal growth and to share with my class of future educational leaders. Just think of the tens of thousands of future students this book will have a positive effect on if you give me a copy!

  • myfullcup

    I want this book because I want to review it on my own blog. And because I attended Willow Creek Community Church's Leadership Summit a few months ago and I want to learn more.

    I tweeted a link to this post, I'm following you on twitter (virginia_garret) and I also posted a link on facebook.

    I can guarantee I will read the book, and then pass it on to other leaders I know who would also read it.

  • http://seekoutwisdom.blogspot.com Joseph Iliff

    This book is really attractive to me. Having to step into a new leadership role is a huge challenge. And often it seems like those who have done it have difficulty in describing how they did it. Because it seems so simple or natural look back into the past, or looking from the insider's point of view, it can be hard to put oneself in the frame of reference of an outsider. Sounds like this book is more than just platitudes, but actual experiences from those who are on the inside of a leadership role, and how they got there. I think those kinds of insights are worth so much more than just formless principles and good ideas. This appears to be a great book for those who want to know what to do in the real world to become a respected and valued leader.

    • http://www.scotteblin.com Scott Eblin

      What a great point you raise, Joseph, about losing sight of the challenge of learning new skills once we've already had the experience and learned them. A lot of what I try to do in The Next Level is to make the implicit expectations of leaders more explicit. Another way to say it is to make the intangible more tangible. I hope it's helpful to you in that regard. Please let me know what you think. All the best – Scott Eblin

  • Margie

    Looks like really helpful information as a leader in business and in ministry. I will absolutely read it and share it with my son and my best friend, who both won a book the last time you offered this, but so far they haven't shared with me !

  • http://twitter.com/sharonadrake @sharonadrake

    I would absolutely love a free copy of The Next Level I'm very adamant about setting strong, stable foundations before jetting forward in a new position or project. I believe that this book will assist me in becoming more of the team leader that I strive to be each day.

  • @johnnydye

    I could definitely use any help I can get to improve my leadership skills. I also train other leaders and I am always looking for ideas to share with our upcoming leaders. I am a missionary in Venezuela planting churches and training local leaders. Thanks for your help

  • http://twitter.com/iamsarahjoy @iamsarahjoy

    This is awesome! I love books. Just being able to smell them already makes me happy. So I'd love a copy!

    On a serious note, I'd really like to have a copy of this book as I'm also on the leadership journey. Starting to lead in areas that I would've never thought I'd be in and also leading people I never imagined I would. Still feel very raw and inexperienced most days. Constantly praying that God give me a heart of love for the people I lead and ideas and insights to lead them well.

    Mmmhmm yes, that's my reason.

    AND YES I PROMISE TO READ THE BOOK!!!!!

  • http://www.newpathwayscounseling.com Kariss W

    I am a 32-year-old counselor who works with people in all levels of leadership, from those being led to those doing the leading. I also own my own practice and am beginning to lead more in my community. I have partaken in a local leadership program for young adults, and I currently sit on the board for that program, which means that I am now responsible for mentoring a team of young adults now going through the program. I think a book of this calibur would help me to better teach my clients and mentees about leadership, and it would help me to gain more insight into the leadership roles I already enjoy, plus those that I will enjoy in the future. I am a foreward thinking young(er) adult, having read books like Good to Great and having learned and implemented the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I think this would be a welcome addition to my arsenal of knowledge as I work with those leading homes, churches, businesses, cities, and whatever else as the Lord puts these people in my path.

  • Eric Haynes

    Would love a chance at getting the book. I am in the process of joining staff at my church to develop and launch a new family ministry team to begin engaging families in our community. I’m always looking to learn more about leadership and team development. Thanks!

  • Aja

    I am on the leadership track in ministry and I’m also cultivating my own business in the basics of finances. These keys are not only good for the work environment but for the entrepreneur. What is funny is how correct Scott is must time new management ask these questions put things in place so there implemented month later no sign of the new plan. Or they ask and never implement. That’s not what I want for my small business, ministry, etc.Scott laid out some very very good points that I need to activate in my life.

  • Aja

    This type of book is a must read for anyone who desires to be successful. If you want to be successful and especially a leader you need to learn how to serve others especially those who you desire to lead. Learn to be who you want to be before the opportunity comes. I’m 32 and it took me 28 years to realize that I have to prepare for my success..this post gives major keys that I have heard from top leaders but this post even further breaks it down. I must have this book. I’m a leader in training ;0)

  • Garry

    Two of the above are part of my daily reminders – always listen more than I talk and continually update my knowledge of all my employees. The idea of learning what success looks like should be expanded to what it feels like. You can read about but without experiencing success, and celebrating your small successes you miss out on the true learning.

  • Carol Pfeifle

    I have been getting the Next Level emails since I took a Leadership class here at work. ( Pathways is a six month course that the VA provides for those willing to ask to go to it , and hopefully improve and grow with in the organization). After seeing his emails , I am sure the book would help keep me focused on my path.

    Plus I would share it with my Pathways intructor, so she could use it to improve future classes. If she thought the book was useful enough , she might consider buying more – one for each student, depending on her budget.

  • Mark Wooten

    Hi, Michael! I would LOVE to have a copy of this book! I am currently in a Director’s role at my company but really want to take the next step to the VP level. One of the things I want to improve is my “executive stature,” and it sounds like this book could be a big help. I am praying that God will put me exactly where he wants me, and if that means staying at the Director level, I’m good with that. but until God shows me different, I’m going to keep trying to be the best leader I can for my company, and glorify God no matter where I am!

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  • http://www.mile.org/palm2landing/ F.M. Torculas

    I really appreciate the focus you bring about leadership skills that new leaders must project, in regards to things that new leaders can do to increase the odds of success, it really is a very practical and informative view on how new leaders should act. Well, In this fast-changing time of doing business, leadership values and management skills must be taken into global heights and help senior executives & high-potential business leaders grow and consistently make the best decisions. Leadership programs for high potential leaders is a step forward, where they can mold and enhance their leadership skills. mile.org.

    Great post Scott!!!

    Cheers,
    F.M. Torculas
    http://bit.ly/palm2

  • http://www.enviroturfservices.com Guin Kendrick

    I want to bring the best out in everyone around me. I want to accomplish this in every aspect of my life. My Home, my office, my customers and the folks I cross path with everyday. An influential part of being a leader in any area of your life is being a person of others. Listening, caring and teaming up with everyone around you…even your competition.

  • Imoimion

    Why do I want a book on leadership- My reason is that I am in a new leadership role that I just assumed and I want to move the neddle and not just be part of the Status Quo. I would like to understand leadership as whole and use that knowledge to make a difference in this role.

  • Brad

    As a new manager this is so relevant.

  • http://misternifty.com Brian Fegter

    This is a great post! I’m going to use it for our leadership summit.

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  • http://www.guyfarmer.com Guy Farmer

    Great ideas. I especially like the idea of listening. When we listen to our employees we can gather all kinds of valuable information from what their talents and abilities are to what things may need attention in the company. It’s also a great way to build rapport and trust.

  • http://www.catalystwealthmanagement.com Todd Burkhalter

    Thanks for this post. It was like you have been following me around. I certainly have learned these along the way myself. I appreciate your great insight.

  • http://www.forward-living.com W. Mark Thompson

    Wow! Love those stats. Well. I love that they’re revealing. Reminds me of youth ministry stats from a few years ago too.

    Since youth ministry is a leadership position, I wonder if the stats traslate the same way for the same reasons.

    Either way, this is worth printing & following as closely as possible in any new leadership position. I can’t hurt!

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