Photo: Forbes
“Your story isn’t meant to echo a previous chapter; it’s meant to write a whole new volume.”- Anonymous
When my son Paolo was recently given an expanded role, he was excited about the move but reluctant at the same time. As his predecessor did a great job, Paolo feels that he has big shoes to fill in. This he would always say when people would approach to congratulate him. Until one time, one of the Department Heads told him, “Pao, you might have big shoes to fill in but remember you brought in an entirely new pair of shoes…and that’s how you got noticed! For me, that’s the best compliment anyone can receive. It did not only boosted his confidence, but for him, it was a validation that he’s doing something right.
The “fear of filling big shoes” is a common performance anxiety among employees/workers who are taking on a new role and having the fear of not living up to the expectations and performance standards set by a highly successful predecessor. This is usually caused by what’s called comparison trap (comparing yourself with the person who came before you and feeling inadequate) or by fear of the unknown (you’re entering a new level of responsibility with uncertainties) or by the pressure of being flawless and perfect.
While this is common occurrence in the workplace, it is something that can be addressed and managed by doing your pre-works, focusing on your own brand and taking small winning steps, instead of trying to replicate or live in the shadow of the past.
Do your pre-works: Heard of the phrase “luck happens when preparation and opportunity meet”? It reframes luck not as random chance, but as the result of hard work meeting the right moment You were eyed for the new role because they already noticed your skills and hard work and saw your potential to do and deliver in it. Now, even before you assume your new role, already do your homework. Gather and learn as much information as you can about the role (expectations and challenges) and the team you’re joining. If you can already prior connect/liaise with the new team, the better so you won’t feel a stranger by the time you assume the new role. Pre-works include having a vision of your new role… what you want to happen with the team and where you want to take them. The more prepared you are, the more confident you become and the lesser the anxiety is.
Build your own brand: Instead of being busy trying to fill in the shoes of your predecessor, focus on bringing in your own pair of shoes. Be yourself. Avoid competing and comparing yourself with the person before you. Management chose you for that new role because of your unique skills, capabilities and potential. Know and define what you do best and what you are or want to be known for. What is the unique value proposition you are bringing to the table? What are the specific workplace problems you can solve better than anyone else? Determining your unique value and being consistent with it, is how you create your defining attributes and be known for it. And make it a regular habit to ask feedback from your team, peers, mentors and internal customers so you’ll have an idea on how you’re doing and how you can improve. Embrace the fact that you will make mistakes along the way. Learn from them as you build the stronger and better you.
Focus on the “Next Step”: While having a long term vision for your new role and for the team is important and necessary, it can be overwhelming for many. The technique is to break down your goals into small wins. Start with your 90-day plan. You can further break it down to monthly, weekly and even daily actionable items or tasks. Share these with your team members for ownership and accountability. Track your progress so the necessary adjustments/corrections may be done immediately. Don’t forget to celebrate even small victories. This will be good for inspiring and boosting the confidence of everyone in the team to continue with stronger resolve and to aspire for something more.
The opportunity to grow and take on higher responsibility is something most workers dream about. But the fear of failing and falling short in comparison is almost always there. By believing in yourself, continuously expanding your skillset and staying mentally ready for what’s next, you do not have to worry about filling in those big shoes. Afterall, you can always bring in a new pair!
