Some thoughts on guidance for first time managers

I was asked recently if I could advise and or support some people who were either about to move into a management role, or some who were early in their management career.?

The issue I was told was that there was little “out there” in the way of training for these groups and that I might be able to call upon my decades of people management experience to help.?

I was of course flattered by the “ask” but was then faced with thinking about some key points that would be useful in the initial stages of a management career.?

I decided to try to produce a list of the twelve top things, with some clarification text. Additionally, to add further detail,?I sought?links to articles with more on each area.?(These are listed at the end of the piece).?

Here are my thoughts:?

1. Know Your Team:?

Understand Individual Strengths and Weaknesses.?

Invest time in getting to know your team members as “people,” as this will help build trust and foster open communication.??

2. Set Clear Expectations:?

Clearly outline each team member's role and responsibilities to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts.?

Set SMART Goals: Ensure that goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.? ?

3. Use Effective Communication:?

Use clear and concise language to convey information effectively.?

Provide regular feedback, both positive and constructive, to help team members improve their performance.? ?

4. Delegate Effectively:?

Empower your team members by delegating tasks and responsibilities.?

Regularly check in with your team to track progress and provide guidance as needed.? ?

5. Foster a Positive Team Culture:?

Create a collaborative environment where team members feel valued and respected.?

Celebrate Successes: Recognise and reward team members for their contributions.? ?

6. Develop Your Team:?

Identify development needs and act on them: Assess the skills and knowledge gaps of your team members and agree actions.?

Provide Opportunities for Growth: Offer training, mentoring, and coaching to help team members develop their skills.? ?

7. Lead by Example:?

Demonstrate the behaviours and attitudes you want to see in your team.?

Show Integrity: Be honest, ethical, and trustworthy.? ?

8. Manage Stress and Avoid Burnout:?

Focus on the most important tasks.?

Schedule regular breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge.? ?

9. Embrace Change:?

Be open to change and willing to adapt to new challenges.?

Foster a culture of innovation and experimentation.? ?

10. Build Strong Relationships with Stakeholders:?

Set realistic expectations and communicate them clearly.?

Build strong relationships based on trust and respect.? ?

11. Seek Feedback:?

Ask your team members for feedback on your leadership style and how you can improve.?

Ask your manager for feedback on your performance and areas for improvement.? ?

12. Never Stop Learning:?

Attend Conferences and Workshops: Stay up to date on the latest trends and best practices in management.?

Expand your knowledge by reading books and articles on leadership and management.?

Find a mentor who can provide guidance and support.?

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I hope that this list will help new or prospective managers to think about their role.??

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Lastly, here as promised are leading management articles on each point:?

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1. Simple Ways to Make Your Team Feel Valued, by Kate Lee , July 19, 2022 (HBR).?

https://hbr.org/2022/07/simple-ways-to-make-your-team-feel-valued ?

2. The Best Managers - Always - Set Clear Expectations, by Victor Lipman , Jan 21, 2016 (Forbes).?

https://www.forbes.com/sites/victorlipman/2016/01/21/the-best-managers-always-set-clear-expectations/ ?

3. How Great Leaders Communicate, by Carmine Gallo , November 23, 2022 (HBR).?

https://hbr.org/2022/11/how-great-leaders-communicate ?

4. Learning to Delegate as a First-Time Manager, by Shanna Hocking , June 14, 2024 (HBR).?

https://hbr.org/2024/06/learning-to-delegate-as-a-first-time-manager ?

5. Build a Corporate Culture That Works, by Erin Meyer July / August 2024, (HBR).?

https://hbr.org/2024/07/build-a-corporate-culture-that-works ?

6. To Help Your Team Grow, Give Them Space to Struggle, by Kelli Thompson , July 6, 2023 (HBR)?

https://hbr.org/2023/07/to-help-your-team-grow-give-them-space-to-struggle ?

7. Like It or Not, You Are Always Leading by Example, by Michael Schrage , October 5, 2016 (HBR).?

https://hbr.org/2016/10/like-it-or-not-you-are-always-leading-by-example ?

8. Help Your Team Manage Stress, Anxiety, and Burnout, by Rich Fernandez , January 21, 2016 (HBR)?

https://hbr.org/2016/01/help-your-team-manage-stress-anxiety-and-burnout ?

9. How to Embrace Complex Change, by Linda Brimm , September 2015, (HBR).?

https://hbr.org/2015/09/how-to-embrace-complex-change ?

10. How to Create a Stakeholder Strategy, by Darrell Rigby , Zach First and Dunigan O’Keeffe , May-June 2023, (HBR)? ?

https://hbr.org/2023/05/how-to-create-a-stakeholder-strategy ?

11. How to Get the Feedback You Need, by Carolyn O’Hara , May 15, 2015, (HBR).?

https://hbr.org/2015/05/how-to-get-the-feedback-you-need ?

12. Want To Stay Relevant? Never Stop Learning, by Rodger Dean Duncan , Jun 4, 2018 (Forbes).?

https://www.forbes.com/sites/rodgerdeanduncan/2018/06/04/want-to-stay-relevant-never-stop-learning/ ?

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