Sunrise at White Rocks in Boiling Springs, PA
“The way you treat your colleagues says more about you than any title or position.” – Marshall Goldsmith, What Got You Here Won’t Get You There
Stepping into your first leadership role is thrilling—and daunting. Suddenly, you’re tasked with guiding a team, resolving conflicts, and holding others accountable while still learning the ropes yourself. If this feels hard, here’s the good news (credit to Dr. Becky Kennedy): it’s hard because it is hard—not because you’re doing something wrong.
Leadership, especially servant leadership, asks you to prioritize your team’s needs and growth while maintaining high standards. It’s not only hard. It feels overwhelming. And at times, it even seems like it’s impossible. Here are three common pitfalls: providing feedback, ensuring accountability, and managing conflict.
One of the common first hurdles new managers face is delivering constructive feedback. The temptation is to soften it or avoid it altogether to maintain harmony and “be nice”. But effective feedback, even when difficult, is an act of service. It shows your team members that you care enough about their growth to have uncomfortable conversations.
Accountability isn’t about micromanaging—it’s about ensuring that commitments are honored. As a servant leader, you model this by being accountable yourself: showing up prepared, owning mistakes, and setting clear expectations. When team members falter, address it promptly but compassionately. No need for finger pointing. Avoid framing accountability as punitive; instead, seek to cultivate a shared commitment to excellence.
Conflict is inevitable in any workplace, and your approach to it will set the tone for your team. Avoiding conflict often leads to unresolved tensions that harm trust and productivity. Listen compassionately, seek to foster common ground, and model emotional intelligence by staying calm and composed, even in heated moments.
Servant leadership is a journey. As you navigate the challenges of being a first-time manager, remember: the hard stuff isn’t a sign you’re failing—it’s a sign you’re growing.