How First-Time Managers Can Thrive
Great management is a crucial aspect of any successful business. Of course, it can take some time for someone to settle into their new role, leading a company. When someone becomes a manager for the first time, it can be an exciting, and overwhelming experience. While earning a position like this is a great honor, it’s also not easy to lead an entire team – management requires a lot of skills and experience. For most people, management will become easier as time passes by. However, everyone needs to start somewhere, and with that in mind, here are a few ways that managers can improve their chances of thriving in their new role.
1. Understand the Company:
People in management positions need to answer questions from their employees that address the overarching concerns of the business. It’s important for leaders to know exactly what’s happening within the brand, and what the goals of the firm are, so that they can make informed decisions and provide direction for their followers. Asking questions and spending time with senior executives in the company will make it easier for managers to ensure they understand their new role, and how it ties in with the ambitions of the company.
2. Be the Example:
Through both the good times and the bad, employees look to managers for insights on how to behave. While would-be managers face a lot of scrutiny when they’re applying for a promotion, it’s important to remember that new leaders will constantly have employees looking to them for examples on how to behave. When someone reaches a management position, their hard work and professional attitude can’t take a hit. It’s important to show a consistent level of excellence every day. This may even mean giving up behaviors that used to seem harmless – like gossiping with coworkers.
3. Stay in the Trenches:
Most new managers earn their position because they’re great at their jobs, and they show leadership potential. Managers work hard, and they’re committed to their role, and that means that they have the dedication required to excel in a higher position. However, some recently-promoted managers assume that once they get a leadership role, they no longer have to do the dirty work that helped them to get ahead in the first place. However, the best managers don’t lose track of the commitment that made them special in the first place. Leaders need to stay in the trenches, showing their employees that they’re not too good for the small tasks, while simultaneously knowing how to delegate when the situation calls for it.
Becoming a Great Manager:
Making the transition from just another employee to the manager of a team is complicated. Relationships change, and so do the things expected of a new manager. The key to success for most leaders is tracking performance and making sure that their behavior matches the expectations of their clientele, shareholders, and even the employees they lead. Eventually, each leader will either find a way to fit in their new role, or they’ll have to rediscover where they belong elsewhere.
