Congratulations, you got a new role. It’s more rewarding, more recognition, more seniority, more responsibility, more visibility and more expectations!
Stepping up often isn’t just a change in title, it’s a shift in identity. With it comes a need to navigate not just the practical demands of a bigger role but also the emotional adjustments that come with it.
I often learned this the hard way during my own career in tech because when you step up into a bigger role the challenge isn’t just what you’ll do next but who you’ll need to become.
That’s because…
Your value changes: You’re no longer recognised for your technical competence, you’re now measured by your strategic thinking, decision-making and ability to lead others. It’s a shift that can feel disorientating, especially if you’re used to doing rather than leading.
You’ll probably doubt yourself: You’ll question whether you belong – it’s common – but owning your wins, seeking honest feedback and believing that you are where you are for a reason will help.
Relationships will evolve: Colleagues who were once peers may now be direct reports blurring boundaries and necessitating a balancing of authority and empathy to retain credibility, integrity and trust.
The spotlight gets brighter: The further you go the more visible your actions become and with it greater scrutiny, but developing emotional resilience and reframing challenges can mitigate stress helping you to stay composed under pressure.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed: You’ll learn the value of keeping time for reflection, staying connected to your values and surrounding yourself with people who’ll tell you the truth, not just what you want to hear.
It’s incredibly lonely at times: The more steps up you take the more isolated you’re likely to feel but by creating space for authentic conversations with supporters who are not there to judge will help you pull through.
Remember, stepping up isn’t about doing more, it’s about becoming more.
