I still remember my first management role.
I had just been promoted after doing a great job as an individual contributor. And I did what a lot of people do when they step into leadership for the first time. I overcorrected.
For me, that meant becoming hyper-professional. No personal stories. No small talk. No real warmth.
I thought I was doing it right, protecting my boundaries, being “the boss,” showing people I was serious.
But over time, I realized I was doing something else, too.
I was hiding.
Not intentionally. But in trying to prove I was capable, I had cut off parts of myself that actually made me a good leader, my ability to relate, to listen, to connect.
Eventually, I found my balance. Still private. Still professional. But also human and warm.
That experience stays with me. And now, as the CEO of The Ladipo Group, I bring it into the work we do with leaders every day.
When we train new people managers, I share this with them because I see them doing the same thing I did. Some go the hyper-professional route. Others default to friend mode, especially if they were peers before the promotion.
And all of them are trying to do a good job in a role they’ve never done before.
Great leaders and managers aren’t born, they’re trained. They’re supported. They’re given tools and space to grow.
That’s what we believe. And it’s what we do at The Ladipo Group.
If that resonates, join me for our next free webinar:
The Feedback Equation
Giving Clear, Actionable Feedback That Builds Trust
Tuesday, July 15 at 12:30pm ET
In just 45 minutes, I’ll teach you a simple framework to give feedback that strengthens relationships instead of straining them whether you’re talking to a direct report, a peer, or someone in leadership.
You’ll leave with language, tools, and clarity you can use immediately.
Can’t join us live? Register anyway and we’ll send you the replay and resource guide.
Let’s make feedback easier and more effective for everyone on your team.
