How to build confidence as a new leader

Article by Patricia Paolini, Business Development Manager - Training

Across Queensland councils, many supervisors begin their leadership journey not through long‑planned career pathways, but almost by accident. One day, they’re a high-performing team member; the next, they’re responsible for leading others. It’s a transition that can feel exciting, daunting and, for many, deeply overwhelming.

Research shows this experience is far from rare. Around 26% of new supervisors don’t feel ready to lead, and nearly 60% receive no training when they step into the role. Without support, it’s no surprise that almost half are later rated as ineffective. The challenge isn’t a lack of potential. It’s a lack of preparation.

We see this regularly. Talented people promoted for their skills, attitude and work ethic can suddenly find themselves navigating new responsibilities, expectations and relationships. Many also experience what is commonly described as impostor syndrome – a persistent sense of self-doubt or feeling of being undeserving of their achievements, despite their experience and capability. But here’s the truth: their promotion wasn’t an accident. Someone saw leadership potential in them, even if they haven’t yet learned how to harness it.

The challenges new supervisors face

• Leading former peers - shifting from colleague to leader while maintaining respect and trust.
• Balancing a new workload - moving from individual contribution to team responsibility.
• Providing constructive feedback - including the difficult conversations many prefer to avoid.
• Coaching and developing others - guiding performance rather than simply providing answers.
• Communicating effectively - up, down and across the organisation.
• Resolving conflict early - addressing issues before they escalate.
• Delegating with confidence - entrusting tasks appropriately and avoiding the “I’ll just do it myself” trap.

These skills don’t emerge intuitively. They require learning, practice, reflection and support.

How Peak Training supports the transition

Peak Training helps Queensland councils balance new workloads - moving from individual contribution to team responsibility.

These skills don’t emerge intuitively. They require learning, practice, reflection and support. councils develop confident, capable supervisors and emerging leaders through practical, workplace-focused training. Our programs, including Leadership for Highly Effective Teams, are designed to support supervisors as they build the practical skills and confidence they need to lead effectively.

We focus on real skills, real conversations and real behavioural change. Participants learn how to lead former peers, coach effectively, communicate with clarity, manage performance, and build strong, respectful relationships. They gain the confidence to step into their role fully not as accidental supervisors, but as intentional leaders.

A final word for new supervisors

If you’ve found yourself in a leadership role unexpectedly, remember that you’re not expected to know everything from day one. You will make mistakes, and that’s part of the learning journey. With the right training, guidance and support, you can develop the confidence and skills to lead your team effectively.

You may have become a supervisor because you were great at your job. Becoming a great leader is the next part of the journey.

Peak Training’s Leadership for Highly Effective Teams program is designed to support new and emerging supervisors as they make that transition. This six-day program combines practical workshops with collaborative virtual check-ins to build skills in communication, delegation, coaching, performance management and team leadership.

The goal is simple: to help supervisors move from accidental supervisors to intentional leaders, confident in their role, equipped to navigate challenges and ready to bring out the best in their teams.

Learn more about Leadership for Highly Effective Teams

For information on Peak’s Leadership programs, please contact Peak Services Training on (07) 3000 2104 or email training@peakservices.com.au