The Leadership Guidance You Should Have Received With Your Promotion

Practical insights for new leaders navigating managing former peers, delegation, feedback, and building credibility—without the theory or corporate fluff.

Zak Connor Zak Connor

Do New Managers Need a Leadership Coach When AI Tools Exist?

As a new manager, you've probably wondered: "Can't I just use ChatGPT instead of hiring a leadership coach?" AI tools are incredible for tactical advice and frameworks, but the most critical leadership development happens in places AI simply cannot reach. Discover what human coaches provide that AI can't—and when to use each for your management development.

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Zak Connor Zak Connor

How to Delegate Effectively: A Guide for New Managers

Delegation is one of the hardest skills for new managers to master. You know you should delegate more, but work comes back wrong, you spend more time explaining than doing it yourself, or you end up micromanaging. This guide provides the frameworks and conversation structures you need to delegate effectively—including the five levels of delegation, how to choose the right person for each task, and how to follow up without hovering.

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Zak Connor Zak Connor

Your First 90 Days as a New Manager: What to Do and When

Your first 90 days as a new manager determine whether you'll succeed or struggle in your leadership role. Most organizations promote talented individual contributors without providing any training on how to actually manage people. This guide breaks down exactly what to do in your first three months—from essential conversations to have in week one, to quick wins that build credibility in month two, to delivering measurable results by day 90.

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Zak Connor Zak Connor

How to Manage Former Peers After Promotion: A Complete Guide for New Leaders

Getting promoted to manage your former peers creates unique challenges that most leadership advice ignores. One day you're grabbing lunch together, the next day you're their manager making decisions they have to follow. This guide provides the specific frameworks, conversation scripts, and boundary-setting strategies you need to navigate this awkward transition, build credibility with people who used to be your equals, and address resentment without damaging relationships.

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