Abstract
If this is your first leadership position, this is probably going to be one of the most trying experiences in your career. You probably do not have adequate training for your new role-you were chosen because of your technical expertise, or because you were an excellent person to have in charge. Are you engulfed in policies, procedures, and other regulatory statutes that apply to your employees who were often your former workmates? How about all of the meetings, committees, and councils you become a member overnight? Suddenly, your work is never "done." Now, as the "go-to" person you feel stuck-in-the-middle, and you feel very lonely. But you are not alone-everyone in leadership goes through a transitional period from individual contributor to manager, to leader, and each person finds his or her own way to "survive."