Menu
Tips for New Managers
By VICKY BROWN
New managers face a host of challenges. They’re usually moving from a role where they’re expected to actually ‘do’ the work, to one where their primary job is to motivate and manage others to get the work done. Don’t fool yourself – it’s a big shift.
One of the biggest issues is the struggle to move out of the “one of the crowd” role and into a management role. It’s a common challenge, but the good news is that it’s not impossible to overcome. With the right mindset and approach, you can establish yourself as a manager and leader; and gain the respect and trust of your team. Here are some quick pointers.
Establish clear boundaries: When you become a manager, it can be tough to adjust to your new role because you may have trouble setting clear boundaries between your old role as a team member and your new role as a manager. As a manager, you have different responsibilities and decision-making power than you did before – you’re in a different role and with new accountabilities.
Don’t revert to being “one of the crowd”. If you want to be treated as a manager, you have to act like a manager. You don’t have the flexibility to behave in all the same ways you did before you became a manager. You can’t just hang with the team and gossip. It’s not appropriate, and it undercuts your authority. How will your team member feel about confiding in you , if they know you just told all Mary’s secrets at lunch?
As a manager, you have to set yourself apart a bit. I know it’s not a fun message, but it’s a necessary one. I’ve seen managers fail too often, because they lost their authority and the leadership role with their team.
“…If you want to be treated as a manager, you have to act like a manager. You don’t have the flexibility to behave in all the same ways you did before you became a manager.”
Communicate effectively: You have to establish clear lines of communication with your team members. This means that you should make sure that everyone knows their roles and responsibilities, and that they understand what’s expected of them. Regular team meetings where you can discuss important topics and give updates on projects, can be really helpful. And, it’s a good idea to have one-on-one check-ins with each team member to make sure they’re on track and to address any concerns they may have.
Be decisive: Being a new manager means that you have to make quick and effective decisions. It’s important that you don’t hesitate or procrastinate when it comes to making decisions. When you’re able to make decisions quickly and confidently, it helps establish a sense of authority and command for your team. It shows that you’re in charge and that you know what you’re doing.
Now, it’s important to note that being decisive doesn’t mean you should rush into decisions without thinking things through. It’s important to always consider the situation and weigh the pros and cons of different options before making a decision. However, once you’ve made a decision, it’s important to stick with it and execute.
You know, an important key to good decision making is knowledge. It’s hard to make good decisions when you don’t have all the information, or don’t know what options are available. In fact, I would go so far as to say that without knowledge, even innovating becomes more difficult.
Sure, you can’t anticipate every problem that might ever come up, but you can be sure you’re armed with as much knowledge as possible.
Become the masterful Manager you were meant to be…
Are you a new manager feeling like there’s a lot to learn and a lot of pressure to get it right?
Feel like you’re in over your head, trying to balance leading your team and managing new responsibilities?
Worrying about setting the right tone and earning the respect and trust of your team?
Stop worrying – help is here!
New Manager 101: The Absolute guide to Leading Like a Boss
- Get the skills and knowledge to make a lasting impact
- Master counseling, and even the tricky task of terminating an employee with grace
- Online – learn at your own pace
- $45 per learner (nothing to pay now)
Be open to learning: You’ve got to grow – open yourself to learning and seeking mentorship in order to gain insights and support in your new role. Things like taking courses, attending workshops, and reading books about leadership and management.
Stay up to date on your industry and discipline, and the latest practices.
And don’t forget to seek guidance from experienced managers and leaders, who can provide valuable advice and support.
You’ll find that a continuous learning mindset, comes in handy in all aspects of being a good manager.
And finally, if you’re a new manager looking to move out of the “one of the crowd” role and into a managerial role, it’s important to remember that it’s not an overnight process. It takes time and effort to establish yourself as a manager and leader, but with the right mindset and approach, you can do it. Start developing your leadership skills, create a positive and productive work environment, and build trust and respect among your team.
Spread the word
MORE HUMAN, MORE RESOURCES
310.308.7680 option 1
hello@idomeneoinc.com