Paying Homage to the Managers Who Shaped My Career: Lessons from Those Who Mastered the Art of Leading Fresh Talent

Over the past two decades, I've had the privilege of working with and observing a variety of managers, each with their own approach to handling fresh talent. Some were excellent at it, and others... well, not so much. Through all these experiences, I’ve noticed a few common traits among the managers who truly excelled in guiding fresh starters. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on these traits and share my thoughts, because the right manager can make all the difference in a young professional’s career. Here’s what I’ve observed.

1. Being a Guide, Not a Control Freak: When I started out, I often felt like I was swimming in the deep end of the pool – unsure of where to go next. The best managers I’ve worked with didn’t try to micromanage or control the situation. Instead, they acted as guides. They didn’t grab the wheel, but they were always there to help me navigate when I hit a dead end. They asked insightful questions that made me think, figure things out, and learn from my mistakes. This approach was all about trust, patience, and the space to grow.
2. Personalized Growth Plans: I've seen managers who understand that not all fresh starters are the same. Some are naturally good with numbers but struggle with presenting ideas. Others are confident but need help with time management. The best managers I’ve worked with noticed these differences and created growth plans tailored to each individual. It wasn’t about fitting everyone into the same mold; it was about developing the best version of each person based on their strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations.
3. Mistakes Aren’t the End of the World – They’re ?Part of the Process: What I appreciated most about my great managers was their approach to mistakes. In the early stages of any career, you’re bound to stumble, but a good manager doesn’t treat those moments like disasters. They create an environment where failing forward is encouraged. I’ve seen managers who didn’t rush in to fix every mistake; instead, they helped us reflect on what went wrong, how we could improve, and how to move forward. This approach made the workplace feel safer and more focused on growth than on perfection.
4. Feedback That Builds, Not Breaks: Feedback is a powerful tool, and the way it’s delivered can make or break someone’s confidence. The best managers I’ve worked with were masters of constructive feedback. They didn’t sugarcoat it, but they also didn’t overwhelm us with negativity. They gave specific, actionable feedback, whether it was praise or suggestions for improvement. And most importantly, it was always framed as a two-way conversation. When managers took the time to listen to our thoughts on how we were doing, it made the entire feedback process much more collaborative and productive.
5. Teaching Accountability, Not Guilt: Fresh starters often don’t fully grasp what accountability looks like. I’ve worked with managers who did a great job of setting clear expectations from the get-go and holding us accountable without making us feel guilty for every mistake. They showed us the value of taking responsibility and learning from missteps, rather than shaming us for not meeting every goal. This shift in mindset was key in helping us grow into professionals who were both responsible and resilient.
6. Leading by Example on Work-Life Balance: A good manager leads by example, especially when it comes to work-life balance. I’ve seen managers who were always online at midnight, sending emails and setting unrealistic expectations, and then there were those who taught us the importance of logging off at a reasonable hour, taking breaks, and actually using vacation time. The best managers I worked with understood that great work comes from sustainable habits, not burnout. They set the tone for how we should approach work-life balance, which made the whole team feel more supported and valued.
7. Opening Doors to the Right People: Networking can be intimidating when you’re starting out, but the best managers I worked with were the ones who introduced us to the right people. They helped us build connections across different departments, pushed us to collaborate with colleagues outside our immediate circle, and encouraged us to attend meetings where we could broaden our understanding of the business. These introductions didn’t just help me build my network—they helped shape my career in ways I never expected.
8. Letting Fresh Starters Own Their Career Path: I’ve seen some managers try to force new talent into specific molds or career paths, but the best ones I’ve worked with took the opposite approach. They didn’t try to impose their own career trajectory on us. Instead, they asked about our aspirations and gave us the freedom to explore our interests. Whether that meant moving between departments or picking up new skills, they were supportive of our personal career paths and encouraged us to own our journey.
9. Creating a Fun, Positive Atmosphere: Work doesn’t have to be dull, and the best managers I’ve worked with were the ones who knew how to create a fun, positive environment. They celebrated the small wins, kept the energy high, and made sure that the workplace wasn’t just a place we had to be, but a place we wanted to be. A positive atmosphere makes a huge difference in how fresh starters perform, and it fosters a culture of enthusiasm and collaboration.
10. Being a Champion, Not Just a Boss: Finally, the best managers I’ve had didn’t just manage – they championed us. They celebrated our successes, advocated for us in meetings, and made sure our efforts didn’t go unnoticed. They lifted us up, offering support during tough times and recognition during good ones. These managers helped us realize our potential and, in many ways, made us feel like we were more capable than we ever thought possible.

Reflecting on these experiences has made me realize just how impactful great management is on fresh talent. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with some truly exceptional managers – people who taught me not just how to do my job, but how to become a better professional and, ultimately, a better person. If you're in a position to lead fresh starters, remember that your role is not just about managing their work, but about helping them become the best versions of themselves.