Starting a new leadership role is always exhilarating; you're learning new things, meeting new people, and making progress toward ambitious goals. But what happens when that initial buzz fades? Are you still climbing, or have you hit a plateau without realizing it? One of the hardest parts (and I believe the most important part) is recognising the difference between peaking and plateauing.

In the first stages of a new leadership role, it's normal to experience a boost – a feeling that you're excelling and moving up quickly. This "peak" period is marked by rapid growth and visible achievements that will often boost your confidence and inspire you to progress further. But these early wins can sometimes create a false sense of momentum and improvement that won't necessarily remain!

Signs of a Plateau

If you're no longer feeling that rush of development and instead feel like you're just keeping your head about water, you may have hit a plateau. Some common signs include:

– Your responsibilities or projects are no longer challenging or exciting.

– You're not as motivated to take on new projects.

– Instead of stepping out of your comfort zone, you find yourself sticking to what's familiar.

Plateauing doesn't mean you're failing, but it does signal a need for change to keep moving forward in your career and that you need to take action for the sake of your career confidence and happiness.