So You’ve Been Promoted—Now What?
Congratulations on stepping into a leadership role! Maybe you got a new office, a fuller calendar, and a shiny new title. But leadership is more than just a promotion—it is a calling to inspire, guide, and grow people. That is where functional leadership comes in.
Positional vs. Functional Leadership
Having a title gives you authority, but it does not automatically earn you influence. Functional leadership goes beyond the position—it is about the trust, respect, and engagement you build with your team. As John Maxwell famously said, “If you think you are a leader but no one is following, you are just out for a walk.”
To move from positional to functional leadership, focus on these five essentials:
- Cultivate Integrity
People follow leaders they trust. Integrity means doing the right thing even when no one is watching—and doing it consistently. Be transparent, own your mistakes, and show respect to everyone. When you model the behavior you expect from your team, you do not just lead from authority—you lead from example.
- Listen Actively
One of the most underrated leadership skills is listening. Put down your phone, make eye contact, and really hear what people are saying. Often, team members simply want to feel heard. Even when you cannot act on every suggestion, acknowledging someone’s perspective shows you value them—and that builds lasting respect.
- Prioritize Decisively
Great leaders know how to separate the urgent from the important. You cannot please everyone, and that is okay. When making tough calls—like reallocating resources or ending a project—keep your focus on the organization’s mission and values. Clarity and courage create confidence.
To learn more about how to lead with vision, see our article on How to Keep Your Ministry’s Vision Alive and Inspiring.
- Mentor Enthusiastically
A true leader invests in others. Encourage your team’s growth, celebrate their wins, and share your insights freely. When you help others succeed, you multiply your impact and build a stronger, more capable organization for the future.
To learn more about mentoring, see our article on the 4D Growth Framework.
- Grow Steadily
Functional leadership does not happen overnight. Teams develop trust and momentum over time. Keep showing up, learning, and leading with consistency. Steady growth leads to lasting influence.
Your title may open the door, but functional leadership is what keeps you in the room—and inspires others to walk through it with you.
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Article courtesy of Infinity Concepts