You have just been promoted to your first management role. Chances are you are excited and at the same time slightly apprehensive about the next stage in your career.
So what are my top 10 tips for new managers so that they can hit the ground running?
Management
Tip 1: Believe in yourself
Sometimes, when stepping into a new role, you can face a loss of confidence. Remember that those who promoted you saw your potential. Hold this thought at the forefront of your mind in the early days.
Tip 2: Accept you will have struggles
You don't want to be able to do everything in the job on day one; otherwise there is no scope for growth. Accept that, every time you take a step up in terms of the hierarchy, there are going to be struggles and challenges.
Tip 3: Take time to get to know people
You will probably find that it takes a bit of time to reach the point where you are fully utilised. Make use of this time to get to know people.
Tip 4: Get to know the culture
Every organisation has its own culture, norms and behaviours. The earlier you can get to grips with this, the easier it will be to adapt to the way of working.
Tip 5: Don't keep comparing
A trap to be alert to is making comparisons between your new job and where you have just come from. While past experience can be helpful, people will not appreciate you if you keep saying how much better you were at doing things at your old place.
Tip 6: Make your own mind up
Everyone will love to tell you about all of the good, and usually the not so good, points of others. Don't follow like a sheep, give everyone a fair chance and make your own judgements on people.
Tip 7: Make small changes to start with
You may have some ideas on changes that you want to make. At the same time, you don't want to be biting off more than you can chew. Focus on making small changes to start with.
Tip 8: Don't over promise
It can be tempting to make promises at the start which you think will be popular. However, if you fail to deliver, people will hold it against you. It's better to under promise and over deliver in my experience.
Tip 9: Be clear on expectations of others
Make a point of meeting with those that report directly to you and setting out your expectations of them in terms of what they have to deliver. Set these out in terms of written objectives and make sure you check progress from time to time.
Tip 10: Keep developing yourself
Every new job brings new challenges, so make a point of continuing to work on your professional and personal development.
The Bottom Line
Taking on your first management role is a big step so make sure you follow these simple tips and set yourself up for success.
Management - 10 Tips For New Managers
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Duncan Brodie of Goals and Achievements (G&A) works with accountants, health professionals, teams and organisations to develop their management and leadership capability.
With 25 years business experience in a range of sectors, he understands first hand the real challenges of managing and leading in the demanding business world.