Don't let success get in the way of your growth

 Otherwise, they risk falling into the trap where past successful behaviour may prevent them from moving ahead.

Take, for example, Stephen Best, newly appointed head of the Asia-Pacific investment division of a multinational insurance company. In his previous role, Stephen had been a highly intelligent, hard-working portfolio manager overlooking the investment portfolios for three countries in Southeast Asia.

His success had come from his attention to detail and ability to analyse numbers quickly and accurately. His hands-on management style enabled him to grasp complex problems without relying on other people. He was a one-man show.

Year after year, Stephen delivered results. Eventually, he was promoted as head of the entire Asia region, responsible for investment portfolios in seven countries. In this new position, he was also given the responsibility of managing 12 people, innovating new products and developing joint products with competing mutual fund managers.

"It was only one rung higher in the hierarchy, but it has become a totally new job," Stephen said.  "Much of what I need to accomplish, I need to accomplish through other people, rather than doing the work myself.

"The biggest challenge I face is letting go and trusting others to do the work that I used to do."

If Stephen does not give his subordinates the freedom to do their work, they will become de-motivated and resent him for imposing his work style and not helping them develop their capabilities.

The task of managing people, instead of doing the work, becomes the key to success. Resetting the comfort level of what a manager needs to control and what he/she should rely on others to control is part of this transition.

"I'm not yet comfortable managing others and relying on them to know the detail and complete the work," Stephen said. "But I know this is the right way forward."

Larry Chao is managing director of Chao Group, an organisation-change consultancy and training boutique located in New York and Bangkok (www.chaogroup.com).