Taking on a leadership role—especially as a new CEO—brings its own set of fears and challenges. For many, it can cause “imposter syndrome“, causing doubts about the ability to cope with the demands of the new position. Some new leaders feel stuck at first, unable to make decisions for fear that the wrong one could derail the company and also jeopardize their credibility.

They overanalyze in an effort to avoid mistakes or refuse to change course when they realize they've made a wrong decision. Then there is the pressure to build good relationships with board members and gain the trust of their staff. And finally, there is anxiety about what unexpected surprises or challenges will emerge as they learn more about the inner workings of the company.

While these feelings are common, there are ways to alleviate them. Here are a handful of strategies I've seen new leaders apply for a strong and safe start:

Related: 4 things the new leader of an organization must do immediately

Ask questions and practice active listening

The first step great leaders take to build trust is to ask for input from their team. Successful CEOs remain curious rather than thinking they have all the answers right from the start. They prepare for every meeting and conversation by thinking of the right questions. This means going in with an open and neutral perspective rather than assuming that the previous strategy needs to change – or even that a successful approach from a previous company would also work in the new one.

At first, CEOs may hear conflicting accounts from different stakeholders. The only way to root out the truth is to hear from everyone. Regularly interaction with employees it broadens a new CEO's perspective, helps them make more informed decisions, and creates a learning environment based on mutual respect.

Look for different perspectives

Just as it's important to hear from those inside the company, effective CEOs gain perspective from others outside their company. This means listening to customers about what they want and how the business can be improved. And great leaders also seek insight from other CEOs who can provide unbiased feedback. For more than 65 years at Vistage, we've seen leaders with high integrity benefit CEO peer groupswhere leaders leave their egos at the door to focus on improvement. They actively combat insular thinking and confirmation bias by learning from other CEOs who understand the nuances and challenges they are facing.

New leaders benefit from surrounding themselves with trusted peers from non-competing businesses, while other members gain fresh perspectives from first-time CEOs. It's a mutual, give-and-take model that elevates everyone. Whether you learn from clients, colleagues, expert speakers, books or mentors, a focus on continuous learning and professional development helps build leadership confidence.

Related: 6 Ways Young CEOs Can Lead an Established Company Through Change

Celebrate achievements and milestones

For a new CEO, credibility must be earned through action. And while many think they want to change everything right away, great CEOs set realistic expectations for what success will look like, especially in the first year. By meeting additional objectives early on, leaders can demonstrate progress. Celebrating these moments with the team, no matter how small, cultivates a positive mindset throughout the company. Team members rate getting to know each other for their efforts and gain satisfaction from working together to achieve common goals.

Balance immediate and long-term challenges

CEOs often face the dual pressure of addressing immediate business needs while setting long-term strategies. This balancing act requires a nuanced approach—knowing when to take decisive action and when to pause for more informed decision-making. By actively engaging in solving critical operational issues, new CEOs can quickly build credibility with their teams. This increases their understanding of the business while strengthening their reputation as a committed leader. In turn, this fosters respect, which is essential for any new CEO aiming to make a positive and lasting impact. The ability to refine strategies based on new information is essential to foster trust within organizations.

Demonstrate leadership values

When new leaders enter the workforce, existing employees first ask what their values ​​are. Those leaders who spend time reflecting on their leadership values ​​are able to communicate them authentically from the start. When CEOs consistently demonstrate clear values ​​through their words and actions, it provides a strong foundation from which to lead. This sets the tone for what kind of culture and operational principles will be adopted under the new leadership.

Communicate the vision

It can take time for a new CEO to lay the groundwork for a company vision. But once the vision is strengthened, effective communication of strategic vision and operational plans is crucial. Communication creates a clear roadmap, manages expectations and stabilizes stakeholder trust during transition periods. Creating an environment of clarity and understanding fosters trust between managers and employees.

Related: 6 mistakes new leaders make that can cause them to fail

Navigating the complexities of leading as a new CEO requires being proactive and establishing credibility through consistent and transparent actions. These strategies propel organizations toward success by creating a culture of trust and support—both of which are necessary for any company to thrive in the long term.

By listening, encouraging engagement at all levels of the organization, and remaining flexible in strategic execution, new CEOs can lead with faith. While the leadership journey presents challenges, it also offers opportunities for personal and professional growth, resulting in a transformative experience.