Leaders must understand and embrace that managing and leading others should be a conscious choice, not a happy accident that came with a raise and title upgrade.

The most challenging part of this change is completely leaving the role of individual contributor behind.

Start with the simple things – clear expectations, open two-way communication, and sincere concern for your team – and you will be on the right path to success as a leader of other leaders.

My hope is that you were properly vetted by leadership, and you come to the role with the desire to lead and develop people, drive to produce results, and disposition to admit what you don’t know and learn. Assuming these things are true, here is some advice to guide you as you grow as a leader.