People participate in leadership development programs for two broad purposes. They are either preparing to become a leader for the first time, or enhancing their leadership skills, knowledge, and behavior for a current position or advancement into more leadership responsibility. First-time leaders face some challenges as they adjust to their new role.

Uncertainty about how much time to spend leading versus doing individual tasks. As a new leader, you have to work with your manager and perhaps your direct reports to find the right balance between doing and leading. Overcoming resentment. If you are selected from among the group to be the new leader, you may have to deal with the resentment and envy of new direct reports who wanted your position.

Building relationships and fostering teamwork quickly enough. As a new leader, a high priority is to build constructive relationships with subordinates as quickly as possible. Have realistic expectations about how much you can accomplish right away. The role of a leader/manager is not like that of a house painter—you typically do not see sparkling results right away. Patience is necessary.

Overcoming the need to be liked by everybody. By the nature of their roles, leaders make decisions that not everybody agrees with. The changes you bring about may hurt the feelings of some people and jeopardize their positions. Your role is to establish and implement goals that will result in the greatest good.