When a team member takes on a leadership or management role, the relationships with their peers also change. As a leader, this person is involved in many other conversations, sometimes private and confidential, which means they can no longer share everything with the team. If their new role involves line management responsibility, the power imbalance creates an even bigger invisible divide, whether or not the new leader realises it. These two differences, and more, foster a feeling of loneliness for leaders.

A lot of inexperienced leaders ignore this loneliness to their own detriment. Although you may not be able to talk with your team about certain issues, do not simply “suck it up.” I’ve seen too many times when the stress of loneliness builds up and explodes in unwanted ways, including in personal relationships and lives.

Grow a support structure around you to rant, to discuss issues and to have trusted people offer you direct and honest opinions. Often, leaders use a variety of support structures including a therapist, a coach, a mentor, a trusted colleague (typically in a different team or company) or an community group. Pro-tip: Avoid using your partner as the only support structure.

Although you may feel alone, you will not be if you pro-actively build a support structure around you 🎉.

Enjoy this week’s edition. If you find Level Up useful, please forward to someone you think would benefit. Stay safe and healthy 🙏

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