What to do if you get promoted

I'll never forget the feeling. I was a handful of years into my career when my boss called me into his office 😬

My heart raced a little as he gave me the good news: I was being promoted to a management position - bypassing a few layers of the hierarchy in one hit. I felt lots of excitement mixed with a healthy dose of self-doubt.

Could I handle the added responsibility? Was I ready to lead a team?

If you've just been promoted, you might be feeling a mix of excitement and nerves — and that's totally normal! The good news? You're not alone. So many people go through this same transition every day, and with the right mindset, you’ll do more than adjust — you’ll thrive. With patience and the right approach, you'll soon find your groove and excel in your new role.

Also... this transition can have a real impact on your life, influencing everything from your daily routine to your long-term goals. It's an exciting change that brings up new challenges and fresh opportunities for you to succeed ✨

You'll likely be tasked with leading and motivating others. This role involves inspiring your team, setting clear goals, and providing the guidance and support needed to achieve them. This is an art in itself, but no worries - you will grow as you master it!

A promotion opens doors for future career growth and development, so you'll have lots of new opportunities to acquire advanced skills and knowledge. This positions you for further advancements and makes you a more competitive candidate for higher-level roles.

Make sure to consciously use the experience and visibility you gain to boost your professional reputation and network.

Promotions often come with a pay raise and better benefits, which is awesome recognition for the extra responsibility you're taking on and the value you bring to the company.

Think of it as a reward for all your hard work. It gives you more stability and can improve your quality of life.

Better healthcare, retirement plans, or extra perks, can really add to your overall well-being and make your job even more satisfying. This is why promotions are also a chance to integrate your life and work in a harmonious way. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Plus, better healthcare, retirement plans, or extra perks can really add to your overall well-being and make your job even more satisfying. This is why promotions are such a win for the way you integrate your life and work. It's a chance to level up your career and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Stepping into a new role that feels like the right fit can be a huge confidence booster.

As you prove to yourself that you can handle the added responsibilities and really shine, your motivation and self-trust naturally grow.

It’s not just about succeeding at work - it’s about feeling good about what you’re capable of and enjoying the process along the way. We all love that sense of authentic accomplishment!

Take a moment to acknowledge the hard work you've put in and soak in your achievement. And do this constantly, not only with the "big" wins. This helps you stay motivated and in a mindset of sustainable growth.

You’ve earned it, so enjoy the success and let it fuel your next steps forward 🌱

Get clear on your responsibilities, what success looks like (key performance indicators - KPIs), and who you report to from the start.

Knowing exactly what’s expected, how your performance will be measured, and who you need to communicate with helps things run smoothly. Not that you won't make any mistakes at all, you probably will, and that's totally normal! But they won't cost you as much if you've got the basics in place.

Aiming for clarity from the beginning allows you to focus on what matters, work better with your team, and avoid major misunderstandings.

Define Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound - SMART goals for yourself and your team (if applicable).

✓ Specific goals give you as much clear direction and purpose as possible.

✓ Measurable goals allow you to track progress and determine success.

✓ Achievable goals ensure that objectives are realistic and attainable.

✓ Relevant goals align with broader organizational objectives and personal career aspirations.

✓ Time-bound goals set a clear timeline for completion, creating a sense of urgency and focus.

This will set a good foundation for more effective planning and smother execution.

Chat with your manager and team about your goals to make sure everyone’s in sync.

This kind of open talk helps clear up expectations and gets everyone working together toward the same targets.

Plus, you’ll get some super valuable feedback and support along the way, which can make hitting your goals and guiding the team even easier. It’s all about teaming up and making great things happen together! 🌱

Take the time to really get to know your teammates and other leaders in the company.

This isn't just about networking to see what you can get out of it. It's about building authentic connections based on trust, collaboration, and mutual support (+ healthy boundaries too 🙂).

When you invest your energy in this way, you'll notice that work becomes smoother, more meaningful, and even more enjoyable. You’ll find that your creativity and capacity to make strategic decisions get a boost as you hear different perspectives and see the bigger picture in your company. Plus, when challenges arise, you’ll likely find out that your work environment is very supportive. Well, that's what you've put in in the first place!

And don't underestimate the value of engaging with people who are different from you. Those fresh perspectives can lead to insights and opportunities you might never have considered.

I can’t stress enough how amazing and life-changing it is to have the right mentor.

Speaking from personal experience, working with one has been a total game-changer for my career path and who I become. They’re like having a personal guide who’s been through the trenches and can share killer advice and insights.

A good mentor helps you tackle tricky situations, make smart choices, and fast-track your growth. Plus, they open doors to learning and networking opportunities that most probably you wouldn't have access to on your own.

Keep it a priority to grow your leadership, communication, and decision-making skills - they will define your entire work experience.

I’ve seen firsthand how leveling up in these areas can transform how you lead your team, share ideas, and make choices.

Great leadership creates a supportive space full of drive and gets everyone pulling in the same direction. Strong communication keeps the team aligned and motivated, and wise decision-making helps you weigh options and pick the best path forward. Mastering these skills isn’t just about your success; it’s about bringing your whole team and organization to new levels.

You do need to make sure you brush up on any technical skills required for your new role, so you'll be performing your duties effectively and efficiently.

Staying up-to-date with relevant tools, software, and industry trends enhances your ability to tackle challenges and innovate. This also demonstrates you are committed to your professional growth in the long-term 🙂

This is especially important when you need to 'step in' to support a team member in need, having strong technical skills to complement your strong soft skills will make team projects run smoother when the inevitable bumps along the way crop up. But, keep in mind you don't need to have all of the technical skills - knowing who in the team that you can call on to support someone else is just as useful, albeit potentially more time consuming.

When you’re good at connecting with others, understanding their feelings, and smoothly handling disagreements, you become a more relatable and effective leader who brings out the best in people.

If social skills don’t come naturally to you, don’t worry! Just focus on improving a little each day. Watch how others do it, and jump into situations that help you bring out these skills. I promise, it gets easier with time. We all get better at it if we’re willing to try - because it's simply in our nature when we honestly care about others.

It might feel a bit uncomfortable at first, but trust me, investing in these areas will make a huge difference in how you and your team succeed.

Yep, this might not be the easiest thing to do, but nothing works best for your development than getting other reflections on your strengths and challenges, on what works and what doesn't.

It also shows that you're truly taking responsibility for yourself and your role. This not only makes you more effective, but it builds trust and respect with your team 😺

Be open to constructive reflections and see them as a chance to grow. Gather this feedback and filter it from a neutral standpoint as much as possible, with both humbleness and discernment.

Embracing feedback, even when it's tough to hear, is what really helps us improve at those deeper levels we actually need to and yearn for growth. This is what gets us to evolve, mature, and to also innovate outdated systems in a wholesome and sustainable way, beyond the short term.

It's now always easy, I know. But I also know that since you're here, you probably have it in you to make it!

A: Managing former colleagues after a promotion can feel tricky, but it doesn't have to be. The key is to be open and clear from the start, while focusing on building trust, empowerment, and self-responsibility for everyone involved. You’ve worked alongside these people, so use that connection to create a supportive environment where everyone can succeed together.

Acknowledge the shift in your role and talk with your team about what that means for everyone. Set clear expectations, but at the same time, show that you still respect them as equals.

Feeling overwhelmed by new responsibilities is totally normal! The first thing to do is take a deep breath and prioritise your tasks. Figure out what needs your attention right away and what can wait. If possible, delegate some of the work to others - you don’t have to do everything on your own. And remember, it’s okay to ask for help or advice. Lean on your team, your manager, or even a mentor. Everyone knows the learning curve is real, and asking for guidance shows that you’re committed to doing your best. You’ve got this!

Mistakes happen to everyone - especially when you're taking on something new! They're just part of the learning process. The key is to own your mistakes, figure out what went wrong, and take away a lesson from them. Then, don't dwell on it - move forward and keep growing. Nobody expects perfection, and every mistake, even the ones that hurt the most, brings the opportunity to improve.

Believe in your abilities and project confidence in your new role. If you can get to a point where you can trust that you'll succeed no matter the challenges, you will! This is the energy that will boost your creative thinking and finding innovative solutions.

Always remind yourself: Confidence is developed through familiarity, and familiarity is created through repetitive exposure or action. So get those reps in!

Adjusting to a new position can be a whole journey for you - it's not just about learning new tasks, but also about adapting on a deeper level. It’s like your whole system needs to sync up, from resting and recharging to organizing your schedule and integrating your work with your personal life.

Give yourself the time to settle in, learn, and grow. The goal is to find a way to make this new role work for you long-term. Take a moment to reflect on what truly makes you happy and fulfilled in this new chapter. How can you create a balance that feels right and sustainable for you?

Acknowledge and celebrate your successes, both big and small. This way you can integrate your achievements and use that energy to pave the way to consistent progress and growth.

And now that you're in a leadership position after that promotion, make sure to make a point of celebrating team wins! Public praise is one of the most beneficial things you can do for team culture.

Remember, there’s always more to learn and ways to grow. Staying humble keeps you in the flow, open to new possibilities, and helps you spot daily opportunities as they come.

Getting stuck in rigidity or feeling entitled just sets you up for stagnation. Embrace the journey with curiosity and an open mind, and you'll keep moving forward and discovering new ways to thrive.

A promotion is such an incredible opportunity to level up, both personally and professionally! These tips are here to help you navigate the transition, tackle challenges head-on, and discover more about yourself, your purpose, and your work - while connecting with your team along the way. 🔥

This is your moment to step up and take your life to the next level, so get stuck in and enjoy every bit of this exciting new chapter! You’ve got this!

Have you ever been promoted? What were your biggest challenges and lessons learned? Share your experiences in the comments below!