New to Management? 5 Tips to Set Yourself Up for Success


New to Management? 5 Tips to Set Yourself Up for Success

Making the jump from individual contributor to first-time manager can be one of the most difficult transitions in your career. But if you do it right, it can also be one of the most successful and rewarding.

Use these five tips to set off on the right foot into the world of management.

 

  1. Change Your Focus

Dorothy, you’re not in Kansas anymore.

Work-life as you know it has changed, now that you’ve joined management ranks. You’ve likely been promoted because you were so excellent at your job and at working with others. But now, it’s time to make the shift between accomplishing tasks, and helping other people accomplish them in exceptional ways.

  • It’s not just about you anymore. Your performance is now tied to that of your entire team. If your team fails, you fail. And if they succeed, you can take credit, but you have to share it with the rest of the group. Taking on a true teamwork attitude is critical to your success. These aren’t just buzzwords anymore.

 

  1. Listen and Learn

Make it your mission to learn everything you can in your new role. And seek out the management tools, resources and classes your company offers to help you succeed. Read them, digest them, participate in them, and retain them.

  • Resist the temptation to make bold changes quickly to show you’re in charge. Take time to fully understand your role, organization and team. Set up individual meetings with each one of your employees, so you can be sure you know their roles, as well.
  • Be an active listener. Ask your team members what they like about their jobs, the biggest challenges they face, and any ideas they have for improvement. Make it clear you appreciate their input and feedback.

 

  1. Address Relationship Shifts

If you’ve been promoted from within, you may now be supervising people who used to be your peers. Address the shift immediately, starting on Day One.

  • You can’t play favorites without provoking feelings of resentment and distrust from the rest of your team. Try starting necessary conversations with, “You know that I value our friendship, but as a manager, I need to make sure I am fair and consistent, so our work relationship is going to change.”

 

  1. Be a Role Model

As a manager, you’re now looked upon as a role model, not only by your own employees but also by others within your organization.

  • Your staff will adopt your attitude, behaviors and anxieties. Always be on you’re a-game and be cognizant of the image you project. Show confidence and stay composed, even under stressful circumstances.
  • Own up to your mistakes. Then, your team will know that you’re an authentic leader.

 

  1. Find a Mentor

Now, more than ever, you may face unanticipated work challenges. One of the smartest things you can do is find a mentor, if you don’t already have one. This should be someone with whom you can confidentially discuss sensitive or uncomfortable situations. If this person is your boss, great. But if not, find someone else to fill the role.

Partner with Frontline Source Group!

As you grow in your career, or to help your employees advance through the ranks at your organization, consider partnering with the talent management experts at Frontline Source Group. Looking for a staffing agency in Denver, CO? Contact us today to learn more. To find the branch closest to you, click here.


Tagged Blog
Published on Oct 3, 2018