Most transitions come with challenges, but assuming a new leadership role is perhaps one of the most stressful, according to Richard Wellins and Tacy Byham, who co-authored "Your First Leadership Job: How Catalyst Leaders Bring Out the Best in Others."
According to a survey Dr. Wellins and Dr. Byham conducted for their research, 20 percent of the people promoted to leadership positions were moved up to reward technical skills, while 11 percent were promoted because there weren't any other competent individuals to fill the position, according to the Albuquerque Journal.
While some were happy to gain a new role in management, only 29 percent of those surveyed said being a manager was part of their long-term career plan. According to Dr. Wellins and Dr. Byham's research, transitioning into a management role is significantly more stressful when the person being promoted does not want to take on the new role and responsibilities.
Dr. Wellins and Dr. Byham found that almost half of the individuals did not want to be a manager, and two-thirds of new managers were not hoping for a management role when they obtained one. Additionally, 78 percent of people in a management role indicated they would give up their title if they could keep the money and privileges that come with it.
"Leaders will be much more successful if they have a choice," Dr. Wellins said. "Choice correlates with performance."
Dr. Byham also pointed out that in order to be successful, leaders must also help their employees be successful.
"You have to bring out the best in people and be receptive to feedback," she said.