My First Month as a New People Leader and Lessons Learned

By Shelby Manson, The Dot Ambassador

Just a month ago, I found myself standing at the threshold of a new chapter in my career. After years of hard work and dedication, I was promoted to a people leadership position with Comcast. The excitement of this new role was palpable, but so was the apprehension. Leading a team meant more than just a new title—it meant new responsibilities, challenges, and the opportunity to make a real impact. As I navigated through my first month, I learned invaluable lessons that I wish I had known from day one. Here are some of the key takeaways from my early days as a new people leader.

1. Building Trust Takes Time, but It’s Crucial

One of the first lessons I learned was the importance of building trust within my team. Trust isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s built through consistent actions, open communication, and showing that you genuinely care about your team’s well-being and professional growth. Initially, I focused too much on proving my competence and not enough on fostering these personal connections. If I could go back, I would spend more time in one-on-one meetings, understanding my team members’ aspirations and concerns right from the start.

2. Effective Communication is Key

Effective communication is the backbone of successful leadership. I quickly realized that my communication style needed to adapt to accommodate different personalities and working styles within my team. Regular updates, clear expectations, and an open-door policy helped in bridging the communication gap. However, I also learned the hard way that over-communicating can be just as detrimental as under-communicating. Striking the right balance is an art that I am still perfecting.

3. Embrace the Learning Curve

Becoming a leader is a continuous learning process. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed by the new responsibilities and the sheer volume of decisions I had to make. I learned to embrace the learning curve and not be afraid to ask for help or advice. Seeking mentorship from seasoned leaders and taking time to reflect on both successes and failures have been instrumental in my growth.

4. Delegation is Not a Sign of Weakness

As a new leader, I struggled with the concept of delegation. I often found myself trying to do everything on my own, fearing that delegating tasks might be seen as a sign of weakness or lack of capability. However, I soon realized that effective delegation is actually a strength. It empowers team members, promotes trust, and allows me to focus on strategic planning and decision-making. Learning to delegate effectively has been one of the most liberating aspects of my leadership journey.

5. Celebrate Small Wins

In the fast-paced environment of leadership, it’s easy to get caught up in the big picture and overlook the small victories. Celebrating small wins has a profound impact on team morale and motivation. Recognizing and appreciating the efforts of your team members not only boosts their confidence but also fosters a positive and supportive work culture. I’ve made it a point to acknowledge achievements, no matter how minor they may seem, and the positive feedback has been overwhelmingly encouraging.

Final Thoughts: Reflect and Grow

As I reflect on my first month as a new people leader, I am both humbled and inspired by the journey ahead. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow. If there’s one piece of advice I’d offer to new leaders, it’s to be kind to yourself. Leadership is not about perfection; it’s about progress, empathy, and the relentless pursuit of bettering yourself and your team.

To all the women and young professionals stepping into leadership roles, embrace the journey with an open heart and mind. Remember, you are not alone—lean on your network, seek mentorship, and most importantly, trust in your ability to lead with authenticity and grace.

Here’s to the exciting adventure of leadership and the many lessons it will bring!