New Manager Mistakes To Avoid

There are many mistakes and traps new leaders step into when they take on a new role.

Over the past 15 years, I have worked with countless leaders and observed many common mistakes. And as a former leader myself, I have also made some of the same mistakes.

Whether you're an experienced leader and you're new to the leadership role, this week's newsletter and YouTube video is for you.?

I share eight common mistakes that you might be making and how to avoid them.?

And don't worry, we have all been there :)

1?? Arriving with a set Agenda:

One of the biggest mistakes is marching in with a fixed agenda and preconceived ideas of what needs to be done without taking the time to understand the existing dynamics. By failing to listen and learn from the team, new leaders risk losing the trust of the new team members and undervaluing their expertise.

2?? Comparing your New Team to your old Team:?

It's tempting to draw comparisons between your new and previous teams. You may have left a great team behind and miss the dynamics and relationships. But you want to try to stay open-minded to the unique strengths and potential of the new team. It will be different, but it can also develop into something great.

3?? Letting your ego get in the way:?

New leaders often grapple with the fear of failure, leading them to prioritize personal success over team achievement. It is quite natural that we want to make a good first impression and achieve quick wins. Challenge yourself to be a bit more vulnerable and authentic and leverage your unique strengths. You don't have to be great at everything to be successful in this new role.

4?? Not listening enough:?

As mentioned before, you don't want to rush into implementing changes without first establishing rapport with your team members. Prioritize individual conversations and 1:1 meetings to gain insights into team dynamics, individual development goals, and the history of the team.?

5?? Avoiding Necessary Changes within the team:?

It can feel daunting to make changes to the structure and roles within your new team. But sometimes, delaying necessary adjustments only exacerbates underlying issues and slows down your progress.?

6?? Not spending enough time with your new leader:?

This one can be a bit tricky, especially if your manager is very busy. But you want to ensure that you get enough time with your manager in the first few months to establish alignment on goals, expectations, and priorities.?

7?? Trying to change too much too soon:

Before you jump into making big changes, understand what your team and the organisation need right now. Is it stability and rebuilding of trust and relationships, or change and innovation? Striking the right balance takes trial and error, as well as an understanding of the dynamics first.

8?? Failing to Develop a Comprehensive Plan:?

Feeling overwhelmed is common for new leaders. We want to do everything at once and, at the same time, impress our manager and team. I recommend crafting a 90-day roadmap that outlines achievable milestones and helps you visualize quick wins. It also avoids overwhelm and reduces pressure. Another bonus is that it fosters transparency and instills confidence in both your leader and team members.

When reflecting back on my leadership journey, I could probably add a tick to each of these mistakes. It is not easy to figure out the right steps during the first few months in a new role. Keep these points in mind during your next transition, and I am sure they will help you get a smooth start.