5 Management Tips (from a New Manager)
January 31st, 2014 by
I’ve been at Search Influence for just over a year and a half. However, in the last four months my role has changed from managing clients to managing people: exciting and terrifying all at once. It is one thing to be great at your job, but it is another to be great at teaching other people to excel at their jobs.
Management decisions are not always clear, and in a managing role you will discover, at times, you need help to know the right resolution. Over the past several months I’ve taken note of what has been successful for me in my new role.
Look Up
Pull inspiration from the people above you. Everyone has a boss or a supervisor, use their experiences and successes to help guide you. Most likely, they have dealt with many of the problems you will face and can be a mentor for your tough decisions.
Take note, there is no standard style of management, however, discussing difficult situations and seeking encouragement from someone you look up to will build your confidence as a manager.
Change Your Focus
News flash: Your role is no longer about you! Before becoming a manager, your success was measured by task completion and things like client happiness or productivity. Now, you are measured on how well the people you manage can perform.
Making the switch from focusing on your own successes and failures to those of your team can be difficult, especially for young managers. Your successes are now graded upon how well your team succeeds. However, once you accept this, the “ah ha!” moments from your employees, will be incredibly gratifying experiences.
Get Help
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Communicate Often
Be honest with your employees. Don’t be afraid to set expectations, give constructive criticism, or shower them in praise. When they are doing something right, acknowledge it, and acknowledge it publicly. Words of affirmation give encouragement and continue the preferred behavior. On that same note, don’t be afraid to take charge and have the more difficult conversations. Explain to your team what you expect from them. If they are not meeting your expectations, give them the resources and guidance on how to improve.
Ask for Feedback – And Use It
In the same vein of giving feedback, go out and ask for it! No one expects you to be perfect, but how can you get better without knowing your shortcomings and successes?
For many people it can be intimidating and difficult to hear what you need to improve upon. However, in the long run you will appreciate being able to create the right type of management skills.
Managing a team isn’t always easy. However, if you give yourself the right tools, you and your employees will have a better chance for success!
Great post Erika!
We should make this part of the leadership documentation.
Everything I hear is that you’re doing great. It’s fantastic to have you on the team!
This is an excellent road map for a new manager, whether young or old. In my career I have often been in a management role and can say from experience you have hit the nail on the head to successful management. I’m truly impressed Erika! – Will, this really should go in the SI leadership document – this is good stuff right here.