I am recently promoted to a leadership position. It’s my first leadership role & I’m tasked to lead a team of 10. The nature of the role is also new to me (as I was previously handling another portfolio). Hence, I need to learn fast in order to be able to provide directions to the team.
On top of that, the department is going through restructuring, which means I’m involved in setting up new processes, which are highly subjected to changes.
Almost every other day, I find out I have new things to learn & do, as well as try to solve problems that my team members bring up.
I’m experiencing constant headaches, chest tightness & nausea, as well as low energy & motivation.
I have spoken to my supervisor, who is putting in supports to coach me. However, the signs remains.
When is a sign that I should leave? I also feel guilt as the team is not yet stable with alot of changes. Yet if I can’t pour out of an empty cup, is it responsible of me to stay on?
Dear @diligentdolphin7835
Thank you for writing in. Firstly, congratulations on your promotion. From what you shared, you are stepping into your first leadership role and also learning a new portfolio while navigating a department restructuring simultaneously. I think that is a tremendous amount of change and responsibility for anyone to carry.
It is understandable that you are feeling overwhelmed. The physical symptoms you are experiencing may be your body’s way of telling you that the pace and pressure have been intense for a prolonged period. While it is good that you have spoken to your supervisor and support is being put in place, change and confidence in a new role often take time.
Before deciding whether to leave, it may be worth asking yourself whether you are struggling because you are still in the steep learning phase, or whether the role is having a sustained negative impact on your wellbeing despite the support available. If it is the former, patience and continued support may help things gradually improve. If it is the latter, then prioritising your health is not irresponsible but necessary.
For now, I encourage you not to put additional pressure on yourself to have everything figured out immediately. You are leading through uncertainty while learning at the same time. Give yourself permission to be new at this, and allow yourself some time to see whether the role becomes more manageable as you settle into it.
Most importantly, take your physical symptoms seriously and seek medical advice if they persist or worsen. Your wellbeing matters just as much as the success of the team.