From Overwhelmed to Empowered: 8 Ways to Build Your Management Confidence

Stepping into a management role can feel overwhelming at first ??.

I know this feeling all too well. When I first transitioned from specialized work into management, I found myself navigating new challenges, from leading diverse teams to making strategic decisions that impacted entire projects ??.

But here's the thing: I didn’t have a step-by-step guide back then ??.

Instead, I relied on intuition, adapting and learning as I went. I made mistakes, learned from them, and slowly built up my competence and confidence ??.

Looking back, I realized that what I was doing instinctively could be turned into a model to help others thrive in their management roles without having to go through the same trial-and-error process ??.

Now, I'm excited to share these 8 practical steps that helped transform my journey from feeling overwhelmed to feeling empowered ??. If you're ready to lead with confidence and skill, this guide is for you!

1. Embrace the Learning Journey ??

Moving into management means you’re constantly evolving. You might be used to excelling in a technical or specialized area, but leading people requires a different set of skills. Embrace this transition as a journey rather than a sudden shift ??♂?.

• Personal Experience: Early in my career, I worked on projects where I had to take on different responsibilities. Stepping up to lead a team was new and challenging, but it forced me to think bigger and continuously learn ??.

2. Focus on Self-Awareness ??

To lead confidently, you first need to understand yourself. Take time to reflect on your strengths and where you need to grow. Welcome feedback from your team—it’s a chance to improve, not a critique to fear ??.

• Tip: In my role as a researcher and educator, reflecting on how I interacted with colleagues helped me fine-tune my leadership style. Sometimes, a simple change in how I communicated made a big difference ???.

3. Commit to Lifelong Learning ??

Great managers stay up-to-date with new trends and practices. Invest in yourself: read about the latest in management, take courses, or join seminars. The world is always changing, so staying curious is key ??.

• Trending Skills:Agile Leadership: Adaptability and agile practices are increasingly valued. Learning how to lead flexible teams can set you apart ??.Empathetic Leadership: Today, emotional intelligence matters as much as technical skills. People want leaders who understand and support them ??.

4. Master the Art of Delegation ??

Competence as a manager doesn’t mean doing everything yourself; it’s about trusting your team to do their best work. Delegation not only lightens your load but also gives your team members a chance to grow ??.

• Example: During a complex academic project, I initially struggled with delegating. But once I trusted my team with key responsibilities, I saw them thrive and the project’s success soared ??.

5. Develop Emotional Intelligence ??

Being a manager is less about giving orders and more about understanding your people. Learn to listen actively, be empathetic, and show that you care about your team’s well-being. People work better when they feel valued and understood ??.

• What Worked for Me: As an educator, understanding the motivations and challenges of each team member became the foundation of effective teamwork. It helped us achieve more together ??.

6. Leverage Your Multipotentialite Strengths ??

If your background is diverse, use that as a strength. Managers often need to think across different areas, and having experience in multiple fields helps you make unique connections and solve problems creatively ??.

• Make It Work for You: Emilie Wapnick describes “multipotentialites” as people with varied interests and skills. Drawing from my own range of experiences, I often find fresh ideas or solutions by connecting different perspectives ??.

7. Create a Productivity System That Works ???

Management can be overwhelming. Set up a simple system to stay on top of things, like prioritizing tasks or using project management tools to keep everything organized.

• Tool Tip: Consider tools like Asana or Trello for task management, and use Slack for efficient communication. Keep it simple and adjust as needed ??.

8. Be Kind to Yourself ??

Building confidence takes time. Mistakes will happen, and that’s okay. Learn from them, celebrate your wins, and remember that every experienced leader started somewhere ??.

Final Thoughts ??

Management is about leading people, setting clear goals, and being adaptable. Remember to draw from your past experiences, whether in academia, business, or community projects. Your journey has already given you a strong foundation ???.

Stay curious, embrace the challenges, and know that every step you take brings you closer to becoming the leader you’re meant to be. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being willing to grow and learn ??