Don't know where to start as a leader?
Do these 5 things first
Forget the books. Forget the theories.
Most of leadership is simple, just not easy.
If I were dropped into a team tomorrow, zero prep, and told “Lead them,”
Here’s where I’d start.
↳ Set Crystal Clear Expectations
Define success.
Clarify priorities.
Show exactly what “great” looks like.
People can’t hit targets they can’t see.
↳ Have Real One-to-Ones
Not status updates, actual conversations.
Ask: “How are you really doing?”
Ask: “What’s frustrating you right now?”
Ask: “Where do you need support?”
↳ Give Fast, Specific Feedback
Don’t save it for reviews.
Praise what’s working.
Redirect what’s not.
Make feedback normal, not awkward.
↳ Coach Instead of Control
Stop solving everything yourself.
Ask: “What would you do here?”
Ask: “What options have you considered?”
Ask: “What’s blocking you?”
You build problem-solvers, not followers.
↳ Protect Focus
Clear the noise.
Shield them from chaos.
Prioritise like it’s your superpower.
The truth most managers miss?
You don’t need to know everything. You don’t need decades of experience. You just need to show up consistently, listen hard, and make your leadership moments count.
Start by picking one of these five steps and focusing on it for the next week.
Don’t try to change everything at once; mastery comes from repetition.
If you choose “Have Real One-to-Ones,” book them in, prepare your questions, and protect that time like it’s a client meeting.
Then, build momentum by layering in the others.
At the end of each week, reflect: What went well? Where did I slip?
Ask your team for feedback on what’s making a difference.
Small, consistent actions will compound, and that’s how you become the leader your team remembers.
Remember, Great leadership isn’t about knowing it all; it’s about creating the space where your team can thrive.