EARN Leadership Calibration

Why this matters

You earned your promotion. You're excellent at what you do — that's not in question.

But there's a funny thing that happens when you step into leadership: you might suddenly be managing people who've been around longer than you, who know things you don't know yet, and who have opinions about how things should run.

That's not a problem to fix. It's actually your greatest asset — if you know how to use it.

What is she doing effectively? (select all that apply)

She's on the floor, not managing from behind a desk She listens before she directs She avoids making any decision at all She's clear that something IS changing, even while listening She lets the supervisor make the final call

Which manager is actually engaging the team?

Sends a team-wide email outlining the new process, then moves on to other priorities. Before rolling anything out, sits down with each person individually and asks what's working and what's in the way. Waits until the quarterly review to ask how things are going.

Which leader is acknowledging expertise well?

Tells the senior rep exactly how to handle the renegotiation, since it's the leader's call. Asks the senior rep how they'd approach the renegotiation, listens, then makes the final call. Avoids bringing up the renegotiation with the senior rep at all, to prevent friction.

ACKNOWLEDGE — their experience or concern

I hear you, but this is happening. I understand this is a departure from how we've operated, and I value your perspective on the risks. Let's not worry about that right now.

ALIGN — the strategic imperative

...so let's just see how it goes. ...but the market opportunity requires us to move faster. Here's the plan to de-risk it. ...so do whatever you think is best.

Which leader is normalizing feedback and follow-up well?

Tells the employee they did a good job once, and never mentions the deadline again. Says: "I'll check in Friday. What support do you need to hit that deadline?" Waits to bring up the missed deadline at the annual review.

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