Christopher Fleming’s Post

Leadership can be scary when it’s your first go-round. I don’t know about you, but I was a little on edge when I realized I would be in charge of people’s growth. It’s exciting, but it’s also easy to mess up. One of the first things I did was book calls with each person on my team. Here are the questions I asked that helped the most: → What do you do outside of work? → What is your average work day like? → What do you really like about the team? → What are your favorite things to work on? → Are there any goals you’re trying to reach? → Anything you would want to change about the team? → What do you wish was communicated to you more often? → Anything fun/exciting coming up at work (or outside of work)? These answers vastly changed the way I handled my first month on the job. Leadership doesn’t just mean a fancy new title — it's on you to create an environment where everyone thrives and can reach their goals. You absolutely can (and should) be prepared for this!

At some point in your career, you might have decided to transition from being an individual contributor to assuming a leadership role. What motivated you to make that shift? If the right opportunity to lead a team hasn't come along yet but you're open to embracing such a responsibility, what aspects of the challenge appeal to you?

Standing out in a team environment is not about showing off or overshadowing your teammates. It's about making a positive impact and contributing your unique skills and qualities to the overall success of the team. How to effectively stand out in a team setting: 1. Effective Communication: 2. Showcasing Unique Skills and Qualities: 3. Fostering Strong Relationships with Team Members: 4. Taking on Leadership Roles When Appropriate: you can elevate your performance within your team and help to drive success in your collective efforts. Remember, the ultimate goal is to work together towards a common goal and achieve great things as a team.

The Peter Principle states that, if you perform well in your job, you will likely be promoted to the next level of your organization's hierarchy. You will continue to rise up the ladder until you reach the point where you can no longer perform well. Don’t allow this to happen to your Team Members. Give them the tools to succeed. Make sure you evaluate them regularly and have one on ones, make your people top priority and everyone will have success.

For a long time I have joked it wasn’t what you know that gets you a role, but who you know. During this job search I have found roles through a lot of different sources: websites, recruiters; and most importantly colleagues and friends. It really tells you how many people you have touched in your life when even former employees reach out to you and tell you about roles they think might be a good fit for you. And during low points having someone you lead or worked with reach out and say they have a role you might like really can really raise your spirits. Remember, be the leader you want to work for. Those team members will always remember you and the impact you had on their lives.

Ever felt disrespected at work? I remember a time when I did. In my first job, I felt invisible. No matter how hard I worked? Zero recognition. Then I met a mentor Ayoola Olatunji who changed 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴. He made me feel valued and seen. Suddenly, My performance skyrocketed. That experience taught me to be a better leader. Here are 7 ways to how respect can transform your team: 1. Show Gratitude: Thank them genuinely. 2. Encourage Creativity: Let them try new ideas. 3. Offer Opportunities: Let them grow and learn. 4. Listen Actively: Show you care about their input. 5. Provide Support: Be there when they need help. 6. Acknowledge Efforts: Recognise their hard work. 7. Be Transparent: Communicate openly and honestly. When people feel respected, they exceed expectations. Imagine what your team could achieve! P.S. How do you show respect to your team? 🫂 Share with your network if you agree 💙 Follow me to become the best version of you Emmanuel Akpoteheri, PMP

As a leader you need to respect your team. Work as hard as they do. Respect their time and effort. If you are a salaried manager, you need to be at work, just like your hourly workers, on time, motivated, and ready to lead. Especially in retail when hours are tight and teams are struggling to make ends meet, you need to respect that, and make sure you’re doing your part as a leader and earning that salary. It means working your full 40-45 hour weeks. Get your hands dirty. Lead by example.

Starting a new job, especially in a leadership role, can be challenging and filled with uncertainty. You constantly question if you're making the right decisions, whether you're truly driving positive change, and if you are effectively supporting your team. The pressure to lead by example and foster a culture of growth can be overwhelming. But then, in a simple, unexpected moment, you receive a small token of appreciation from an employee--a gesture that reassures you that your efforts are seen, valued, and making a real impact. It's in that moment you realize you're on the right path and you made the right choice.

'Why do you do it?'—the question every leader faces. Do you have a clear answer? I’ve found mine.   We work around the clock. Early mornings, late nights, weekends. Why? For many, the reasons vary: ↳ Personal goals. ↳ Financial security. ↳ The thrill of achievement. But for me? …It's my team. Every sunrise over coffee, I’m reminded of them. Our real job? Putting the team in a position to succeed. It’s not just about delivering results. It's about building people up. Sure, recognition feels good. But I’d never let them carry my weight. So, to my team—thank you. To other leaders out there, take a moment. Appreciate your team today. Because they’re the reason we do it all. PS. How often do you thank your team?

Well it finally happened. This week I was able to promote someone who definitely deserved it and has shown for some time that the new role was something they can handle. This has always been one of my favorite parts of being a leader. Helping someone learn and grow and take that next step in their career. There are a few things I’ve learned over the years at other companies that I’ve been able to take with me regardless of where I work. -Your title may say manager, but be a leader. There is a difference. -Without your people, you are nothing. A leader is only as strong as the team they are leading. -My team works with me, not for me. -You have to trust your team and let them make mistakes. No one learns if there are no mistakes. -You don’t have to be a conventional manager to succeed. -Always give credit to your team before you take credit. You win as a team, you fall as a team. -Never pretend to have all the answers. It’s ok to say “I don’t know” and ask your team to give their input. -Only bad idea is the one someone didn’t want to share.