When you move into a management position, embrace it with confidence. Recognize that the years of work and the experience you’ve gained have led you to this role. You’re not in an entirely new position; you’ve been given a leadership role because you know how to do the job the right way.

I once worked for a young boss, a first-time director, who didn’t understand this. After a few months of working for him, he began to treat me poorly, used me as a scapegoat for the issues he created, became confrontational, and eventually forced me to quit. He was fired shortly after.

When I interview future managers, I look for confidence. It’s one of the hardest traits for good people to learn because they’ve seen overconfident fools. There’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance, but as a leader, the last thing you want is for people to question your abilities, especially when you’re doing a fine job. Lead with confidence, and if you make a mistake—as we all do—apologize confidently so the person receiving your apology knows you’ve learned from it and haven’t derailed from your goal.

When you step into a leadership role, it’s also crucial to build a supportive and inclusive environment. Make sure your team feels valued and heard. Encourage open communication, practice radical candor, and give constructive feedback. Recognize and celebrate your team’s achievements. By creating a positive workplace culture, you boost morale and productivity, and earn the respect and trust of your team. This way, everyone is working towards a common goal, and you build a cohesive and motivated team.

Moreover, always be open to learning and growing in your role. Seek feedback from your team and peers, and be willing to adapt and improve. Leadership is an ongoing journey, not a destination. Stay curious, stay humble, and never stop refining your skills. By continuously developing yourself, you set an example for your team and demonstrate that growth is a lifelong process. This mindset will help you navigate challenges and seize opportunities with confidence and resilience.