“Hit the ground running” sounds like smart advice — until it makes you stumble. The drive to prove yourself can backfire, especially when you’re inheriting someone else’s team or stepping into unresolved tension. That urgency to show results can undermine your credibility before you even realize it.

In this episode, I’ll show you three hidden traps new leaders fall into — like enforcing accountability before you’ve observed behavior yourself, skipping your own skill-building, and taking responsibility for everyone’s happiness — and what to do instead. You’ll learn how to set healthy boundaries (up, down, and across), steady your nervous system when pressure hits, and earn respect without getting pulled into drama.

If you want to feel grounded, communicate clearly, and lead with strength from day one, hit play.

• 00:00 — How the pressure to be liked shapes your communication under stress
• 03:00 — Trap #1: Holding people accountable before you’ve observed their behavior (and the boundary to set with your boss)
• 09:00 — Trap #2: Skipping your own leadership education (simple ways to level up fast)
• 10:10 — Trap #3: Taking responsibility for your team’s happiness (the mindset shift that changes everything)
• 14:30 — Quick recap: three traps to avoid and what to do instead
• 15:10 — Resource: Executive Presence Starter Kit

Episode Links:

• Executive Presence Starter Kit
• Your First Leadership Job
• Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change

Other Episodes You'll Love

• 19. The Surprising Reason Praise Doesn’t Boost Your Confidence as a Leader (and the Simple Shift That Will)

Have a question you'd like answered on the show? Click here to send me a message.

More Resources for You:

• Explore Dr. Annie's Executive Coaching Program
• Download your free guide: Executive Presence Starter Kit
• Get The Empowered Feedback Toolkit for easy-to-follow, step-by-step guidance so you can navigate difficult conversations and set healthy boundaries at work.
• Apply for on-air coaching (spots are limited).

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