Next Level Blog
Simple, practical, applicable
Wally’s Advice for New Bosses September 17 2010
Sometimes as a leadership blogger, you just need to tip your hat to a colleague and say, “Well done, sir (or ma’am).” That’s the case today with Wally Bock’s post, So, now you’re the boss. Wally succinctly ticks off the points that any new boss needs to remember. Here’s a taste, but you owe it to yourself to read his post (or, do a new boss a favor, and send it to them):
- Friendship will be more complicated.
- People will treat you differently.
- Don’t let it go to your head.
- You’ll have less power, but more influence (Unless you misuse it. Influence is kind of like holding a little bird. Squeeze it too hard and you’ll kill it.)
- You’re going to need honest feedback; figure out how to get it. Better yet, listen to it when you get it.
For a real life case study, of what can happen when new bosses don’t follow these rules, read this article in the Washington Post on how Adrian Fenty lost the mayor’s job in DC this week or revisit my post from last month on how he was on his way to losing it. It’s kind of uncanny how he did the opposite of everything Wally suggests.
What else does every new boss need to remember?
Scott Eblin is an executive coach, speaker and author of 
1. Deflect credit, hog blame.
2. You are not a star QB; you are an offensive lineman whose job it is to protect your stars (the team) and create huge "holes" they can run through.
3. Be the boss you always wish you had.
4. Talk to everyone and spend most of your time listening.
5. On any given day, strive to change your workplace more than it changes you.
6. Make more time for family and friends – you'll need them more than ever.
7. Bookmark the Next Level Blog
Thanks for your kind words Scott and even more for connecting the post to other posts and ideas.
Thanks Wally for the inspiration and thanks Doug for the additional advice. Especially like Be the boss you always wanted to have. Simple and clear! Of course, bookmarking the Next Level blog isn't bad advice either.
. Cheers – Scott