From Peer to Leader: Turning Thinking into ActionIn this follow-up to Episode 6, Anna, Stuart, and guest Oli Sanandres return to help a listener take their first steps into people leadership. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, start there as it lays the essential mindset groundwork. In Part 2, we move from
thinking like a leader to
acting like one. The listener asks:
“Dear Aunty Treacle, I’ve recently accepted a promotion at work that will see me move from individual contributor to line manager. This is my first step into people management, and I’m determined for it to be successful. How do I step out of my peer group and into this leadership position without putting noses out of joint, losing friendships, and while still delivering for the organisation and the employees? Wisdom from those who’ve done this before would be appreciated.” Together, the team dive into the tools, habits, and conversations that make this transition work in real life.
Key Topics Covered- Starting with connection and recontracting relationships
- Setting expectations clearly and early
- Giving and receiving feedback with care and clarity
- Creating psychologically safe spaces for team input
- Balancing kindness with accountability
- Using routines and rituals that work for you
- Managing up, down and across the system
- Leading without being the hero or having all the answers
- Holding reflection time to stay grounded and grow
- Building a leadership identity that stays true to you
Practical Tools & Tips- Time to Think (TTT) – schedule regular time to pause and plan
- T-Up Play – Oli’s team expectations framework
- Recontracting – reset team dynamics with intention
- Yes, If – a reframing tool to support possibility and safety
- Reflection Rituals – stack feedback and learning with something enjoyable
- Coaching Mindset – support others to solve problems, don’t rescue them
Reflection Prompts- What’s one thing I can let go of to lead better?
- Am I empowering or heroing?
- How am I showing up for my team and for myself?
Resources Mentioned- Episode 6 – The Sticky Middle: Part 1
- Episode 4 – Setting Up for Success with Gareth Evans
- How to Lead with Purpose by Liam Black
- Leadership principles and journaling practices
We’d Love Your FeedbackJust stepped into leadership? Got a sticky situation of your own?
Email us at
ask@auntytreacle.com or tag us on socials.
Next Episode: Time, Energy & the Myth of ‘Enough’We tackle the leadership tension of limited time, endless demands and making space for what really matters.
