Steps a recently promoted employee should take if they are feeling overwhelmed by their new responsibilities

Being promoted to a new position is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming. With new responsibilities, expectations, and challenges, it's normal to feel a bit out of your comfort zone.  

The experience of “Ethan,” a client of mine, highlights how a sense of being overwhelmed can accompany a promotion. His story also offers an insightful tip for how to address such a feeling. Ethan is an early career human resources professional who was approached by his company to take on his former manager’s position. He was thrilled by the opportunity to have a greater impact at work, not to mention the increased compensation. Ethan took on the roll on an interim basis to see if he could handle the work. He quickly realized the responsibility was more than he anticipated, and the work was extremely disorganized. The sense of overwhelm that Ethan was feeling at work started bleeding over into his personal life, where it was affecting his sleep and mood. Ethan met with my boss to discuss his concerns and explained that he would more than likely be turning the position down. A few days later the company responded by satisfactorily addressing almost all of Ethan’s pain points – including workload – in order to keep him on the management team. Ethan now feels much more confident, comfortable, and organized in his new role. 

If, like Ethan, you're feeling overwhelmed by your new role, here are a few steps you can take:

1. Acknowledge your feelings.

It's important to allow yourself to feel overwhelmed, without judgment. It's perfectly normal to experience some anxiety and stress when you're taking on new challenges. Don't try to bottle up your feelings or pretend that you're not struggling.

2. Take some time to learn about your new role.

The more you know about your new role, the more confident you'll feel in your ability to handle your new responsibilities. Take some time to learn about your team's goals, your company's culture, and the industry you're in. Talk to your manager and other people in your new role to get their insights and advice. “It’s been my experience that newly promoted employees who aren’t afraid to ask questions and seek advice from people they respect often have an easier time learning and succeeding in their new role,” says Tom Morris, Vice President, Business Control and Process Integration at Bank of America.

3. Set priorities and create a plan.

Once you have a good understanding of your new role, it's time to set priorities and create a plan. What are the most important tasks that you need to focus on? What are the deadlines? Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. This will help you feel less overwhelmed and make it easier to track your progress. Priority alignment is key according to Patricia McCabe, Vice President, Sales & Marketing at One Point Inc. She suggests “writing down the top three tasks/projects that come to mind when you are feeling overwhelmed. Work with your direct leader to ensure your priorities are aligned, and understand if you both have the same goals and timeline on these top three. Your leader can help you rearrange your priorities to take some of the pressure off.”

4. Talk to your manager.

One of the best things you can do is to talk to your manager about how you're feeling. They can offer support, guidance, and advice. Be honest with them about your concerns and challenges. They can help you to develop a plan to manage your workload and set realistic expectations. 

5. Delegate tasks and ask for help.

Don't be afraid to delegate tasks and ask for help from your team members. If you have too much on your plate, it's okay to ask for assistance. Your team members are there to support you, and they'll likely be happy to help.  “It’s common for newly promoted employees to have a lot on their plate,” says Chris von Ahnen, Director of Employment Services at Goodwill Industries of Northeastern PA. “That’s why it’s so important to ask for help and delegate tasks. If you’re working in a healthy culture, your coworkers will be willing to help you succeed. But they can't help you unless they know you need help.”

6. Take breaks and take care of yourself.

It's important to take breaks and take care of yourself during this transition period. Don't try to overwork yourself. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly.  “Find a way to de-stress: Find a way to relax and let off some steam, whether that is taking a walk mid-day, listening to music on the way home, talking to a family member,” suggests Tina Bird, PHR People Operations Manager/HR Site Manager at Nammo Defense Systems, Inc. “For me, going to the gym after work helps me let go of stress built up throughout the day.” Taking care of yourself will help you manage your stress levels and stay focused and productive.

Here are some additional tips for recently promoted employees who are feeling overwhelmed:

• Find a mentor. A mentor can be a valuable resource for guidance and advice. They can help you navigate your new role and responsibilities, and they can offer support and encouragement.

• Join a professional organization. Joining a professional organization can be a great way to network with other professionals in your field. You can learn from their experiences and get advice on how to handle new challenges.

• Take advantage of training and development opportunities. Many companies offer training and development programs to help their employees succeed in their roles. Take advantage of these opportunities to learn new skills and knowledge.

• Don't be afraid to fail. Everyone makes mistakes, especially when they're new to a role. It's important to learn from your mistakes and move on. Don't let the fear of failure hold you back.

While being promoted into a new role can be exciting, it can also feel overwhelming. It's important to remember that you're not in this alone. There are many resources available to help you succeed in your new role. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it! 

[This article was originally published on LinkedIn on 10/17/23: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/steps-recently-promoted-employee-should-take-feeling-leonard-mhrm-sjsie/?trackingId=BeGTHOhmS0Oc%2Fzc3a9kWig%3D%3D]