Advice for a First-Time Manager

‘Tis the season for performance reviews at many companies, and for some, a well-deserved promotion. In some cases, that may mean being promoted into a manager position for the first time. Unfortunately, many of us are promoted into our first management positions without much training or guidance on how to do it well. And being a good manager is important. According to Gallup research, a team’s engagement and performance is influenced by the manager far more than any other factor.[1] That’s a lot of pressure. So what’s a new manager to do?

In addition to simply overseeing a team of people, a manager needs to ensure that they are all working towards the same goal and motivate them to perform at their best. A good manager must be a skilled communicator, an effective problem-solver, and a positive role model. Here are my top ten tips on how to identify the core characteristics and build the key skills needed to succeed in your first manager role.

1.????Build Strong Relationships with Your Team

The foundation of good management is building strong relationships with your team. When your team members feel comfortable approaching you with their concerns and ideas, they are more likely to trust you and work collaboratively with you. This means that you need to actively listen to your team members, show empathy, and respond with openness and understanding.

To build strong relationships with your team, start by getting to know them on a personal level. Take time to learn about their interests, hobbies, and backgrounds. This will help you understand what motivates them and what challenges they may be facing in their personal lives that could affect their work.

Pro tip: everyone’s comfort level with sharing about their personal life is a little different, and for a variety of different reasons. Try not to start this conversation by asking questions that may seem overly invasive. Instead, start by sharing about yourself and inviting your team member to reciprocate. This gives your team member the opportunity to communicate to you what they are comfortable sharing.

Regular one-on-one meetings are also essential for building strong relationships with your team. These meetings give you a chance to check in with each team member individually, discuss their progress and challenges, and provide feedback on their work. Make sure to schedule these meetings in advance and come prepared with an agenda to keep the conversation focused.

2.????Communicate Clearly and Effectively

Clear and effective communication is crucial for good management. As a manager, you need to be able to communicate your expectations clearly, provide feedback, and share information with your team. You should also encourage open communication within your team, so that everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas.

To communicate effectively, start by being clear and concise in your communication. Avoid using jargon or technical language that may confuse your team members. Instead, use language that you know will be understood by everyone and provide specific examples where possible to help your team members understand your expectations.

Active listening is also an important part of effective communication. When you listen actively, you show your team members that you value their input and are interested in their ideas. Make sure to ask questions and clarify any misunderstandings to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

3.????Set Clear Goals and Expectations

As a manager, you are responsible for setting clear goals and expectations for your team. This means that you need to define what success looks like and communicate this vision to your team. When your team members know what is expected of them, they are more likely to work towards these goals.

To set clear goals and expectations, start by defining what success looks like for your team. This could involve setting specific targets, outlining key performance indicators, or establishing a timeline for achieving certain milestones. Once you have defined what success looks like, communicate this vision to your team and make sure that everyone understands their role in achieving these goals.

Regular check-ins are also important for ensuring that your team stays on track. Schedule regular meetings to review progress towards your goals, discuss any challenges, and provide feedback on your team's performance.

4.????Lead by Example

As a manager, you are a role model for your team. Your behavior and attitude will set the tone and influence how they work together. This means that you need to lead by example and demonstrate the qualities and behaviors that you expect from your team.

To lead by example, start by modeling the behavior that you want to see in your team. This could involve showing up on time, being prepared for meetings, and demonstrating an open and collaborative mindset. You should also be willing to take on tasks that you expect your team members to do and show that you are all working towards success together.

5.????Develop Your Leadership Skills

Good management requires strong leadership skills so that you can properly motivate your team, resolve conflicts, and make effective decisions. Developing these skills takes time and effort, but the payoff is a more engaged and productive team.

To develop your leadership skills, start by adopting a growth mindset. Accept that you are not perfect and that we all have areas where we can strive to improve. Leadership is a journey, not a destination.

With this mindset, you can then turn to identifying your strengths and areas for improvement. Seek feedback from your team members, peers, and leadership to gain a better understanding of how you are perceived as a manager. Use this feedback to identify areas where you can improve.

There are also many resources available for developing leadership skills, such as books, courses, and coaching. Consider investing in your own development by attending workshops or taking courses in leadership and management.

6.????Give and Receive Feedback

Feedback is essential for growth and improvement, both for yourself and your team. As a manager, you need to be able to provide feedback to your team members, and also be open to receiving feedback from them.

To give effective feedback, start by focusing on specific behaviors or actions, rather than making general statements. Use real-world examples to illustrate your points, and be clear about the impact that these behaviors or actions have on the team or organization. Also, make sure to provide feedback in a timely manner, so that your team members have an opportunity to address any issues before they become bigger problems.

When receiving feedback, it is important to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Avoid becoming defensive or dismissive, and instead focus on understanding the other person’s perspective. Ask questions to clarify their feedback and take the time to reflect on how you can use this feedback to improve your own performance and the effectiveness of your team.

7.????Empower Your Team

Empowering your team means giving them the autonomy and support they need to make decisions and take ownership of their work. When your team members feel empowered, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to their work, and to take on more responsibility.

To empower your team, start by delegating tasks and responsibilities to individual team members. This will help them develop their skills and take ownership of their work. Provide support and guidance as needed but avoid micromanaging or taking over tasks that you have delegated.

Encourage your team members to share their ideas and opinions and give them the space to make decisions and take risks. Celebrate their successes. And if they stumble along the way, be there to catch them and openly discuss these moments as opportunities for learning and growth.

8.????Manage Conflict Effectively

Conflict can arise in any team or organization. As a manager, it is your responsibility to manage conflict effectively, and to ensure that it does not escalate into a bigger problem. To manage conflict effectively, start by listening to all parties involved and seeking to understand their perspectives. Avoid taking sides or making assumptions and focus on finding a resolution that works for everyone.

Use active listening techniques to ensure that everyone feels heard and ask open-ended questions to clarify any misunderstandings. Work collaboratively with your team members to identify the root causes of the conflict and develop a plan for resolving it.

9.????Recognize and Reward Your Team

Recognizing and rewarding your team is important for maintaining motivation and morale. When your team members feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to their work.

To recognize and reward your team, start by acknowledging their achievements and successes. Celebrate milestones and accomplishments and recognize individual team members for their contributions. This could involve giving verbal praise or sending a personalized note or email. And to maintain a culture of inclusion, be intentional about what behaviors and milestones you will acknowledge and how. That thoughtfulness will enable you to recognize and reward people consistently and fairly.

10.?Continuously Improve

Good managers are always looking for ways to improve themselves and their team. This means being open to feedback, seeking out new learning opportunities, and continuously evaluating and adjusting your leadership style. Start by regularly reflecting on your own performance and seeking feedback from your team members, peers, and supervisors. Use this feedback to identify areas where you can improve, and seek out learning opportunities to develop these skills.

Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in leadership and management, and be willing to experiment with new approaches to see what works best for your team. Encourage your team members to share their ideas and opinions, and be open to incorporating their feedback into your own leadership style.

Becoming a good manager takes time, effort, and a willingness to learn and grow. By focusing on developing your leadership skills, building strong relationships with your team members, and continuously improving yourself and your team, you can become the effective and successful manager that your leaders clearly believe you can be. Good luck!

[1] https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/350423/influential-good-manager.aspx