From Doer to Leader: Redefining Competence in Your New Role (Ep 321)

There is a thought a lot of managers carry around and almost never say out loud: “Honestly, my direct report is a stronger performer than I am.”If you have had some version of that thought, it usually shows up with a little shame attached. And the standard response, someone telling you that you are great and you do it better than your employee, tends to bounce right off. It does not fix anything, because it is aimed at the wrong problem.Here is what is actually going on. For your whole career, being good meant one thing: I know the most, I do it best, people come to me when the work is hard. Then you got promoted, and the definition of competence quietly changed. Nobody told you the new rules. So you are standing in a new role, still grading yourself with the old ruler, and of course you come up short.In Episode 321, Ramona breaks down:Why “my report is a stronger performer than I am” is an apples-to-oranges error, not a verdict on youWhat actually happens in your brain when your competence feels threatened, and why it registers like survivalThe quiet trap of comparing your year one to someone else’s year fiveThe “which chair are you sitting in?” test that pulls you back into the right seatIf you have ever caught yourself diving back into the technical work because it is the one place you still feel sharp, this episode will show you what to do instead.Watch on YouTubeResources mentioned in this episodeThe Leadership Accelerator, Archova’s 90-day manager readiness program for new and early-stage managers: archova.org/leadership-acceleratorFree Masterclass, the 4 shifts to lead as a new manager: archova.org/masterclass“The Confident & Competent New Manager” by Ramona Shaw: archova.org/books  (also on Amazon: amzn.to/3TuOdcP)CEB research finding that 60% of new managers fail or underperform in their first 18 months, referenced in the episodeLinksSchedule a Leadership Strategy Call with Ramona: calendly.com/ramonashaw/leadership-strategy-sessionGrab the free New Manager Toolkit mentioned in the episode: archova.org/freetoolkitsTurn your 1-on-1 meetings into your most valuable meeting of the week: archova.org/1on1-courseGrab Ramona’s best-selling book “The Confident & Competent New Manager”: amzn.to/3TuOdcPOther episodes you might likeEpisode 256 – The Leadership Identity Shift: From Executor to Influencer  youtube.com/watch?v=L_KXIyEjNAYEpisode 311 – Delegating: When Stepping In Becomes Stepping On  ramonashaw.com/delegation-for-managersWhat’s next?Learn more about our leadership development programs, coaching and workshops at archova.org.Want to better understand your leadership style and patterns? Take the free Manager Archetype quiz: archova.org/quizIn your first manager role and don’t want to mess it up? Watch our FREE Masterclass: archova.org/masterclassLove the podcast? Leave an honest review at ramonashaw.com/itunes and on Spotify. Then take a screenshot listening and tag @ramona.shaw.leadership on Instagram or DM Ramona on LinkedIn.* Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you.