Tips on How First-time Managers can deal with the Challenges that Come with the Leadership Position

In my last post I had promised to share tips on how first-time managers can counteract the challenges that that come with the leadership role. In this article I share tips I believe can help firs-time managers in dealing with these struggles.

Upskilling

Most new managers are taken by surprise when they are ushered into the managerial role with high demand for competencies and unique skills they have not been equipped with. For instance, emotional intelligence and leadership skills are among the must have skills that most new managers get into the?new role?lacking. Upskilling for managers is a notable way to advance ability to lead, communicate, and work collaboratively with team members which eventually increases motivation, productivity, and job satisfaction among team members.

?Mentorship and Coaching

Adopting a coaching and mentorship culture as an organization plays a key function in preparing the new managers for the leadership position. Organizations must endeavor to create a conducive environment where constructive mentorship and coaching relationships can thrive.

Training and Development Programs

Lack of experience in leading and managing a team is one of the challenges that most new managers have to deal with. In response to this obstacle, organizations can support the new managers through custom made training and development programs to help in advancing managerial skills and to enhance leadership ability.

Feedback

Feedback is essential in helping new managers understand how they are performing. A supportive environment that offers timely and constructive feedback is critical for the success of the?first-time managers. Receiving feedback from peers and supervisors help new managers to continually develop confidence in their ability to deliver in the?new?position.

?Asking for Help

Sometimes being a leader can be challenging especially with the belief that a leader should be the one offering guidance and direction. This usually leads to the assumption that a leader knows it all and have answers to all the questions. Such a mindset hinders new managers from seeking help ending up committing preventable mistakes. One key factor to get clear from the start is that as a manager you do not know everything, and you must not shy away from asking for help.

Learning to Have Difficult Conversations

There will be need for?initiating difficult conversations as a manager. Such include conversations about your team’s performance, discipline and even separation. Initiating such conversations may seem burdensome for new managers and therefore it is something they must adequately prepare for. It is important to fully understand the policies that patterns to employee issues and while handling such conversations, it is appropriate to act by the principle of good practice and the policy provisions.

Learn People Skills

How a new manager?interacts and engage with their team determines how quickly they settle in the new role and eventually determines their success. People?skills are paramount in? building, managing and leading great?team. Some of these important skills a first-time manager must have include communication, personal values emotional empathy, resilience and self-confidence. Sometime the notion that people skills are only important when engaging with customers and clients sneaks in leading most new leaders to overlook the importance of these skills?when it comes to influencing and leading teams.

Constant Self Improvement and Development

Leadership is demanding and constant self-development is key to becoming a solid leader. Begin by conducting a thorough self-assessment to understand your skills, areas of weakness, skills and get yourself into programs that improve your capacity .

Understand the Company Policies, Mission, Vision and Values

You can only be successful in leading employees in living the values and working towards a mission and a vision that you fully understand. Having full knowledge of the company’s mission, vision and values is crucial when leading a team. As a manager, understanding what the company values and the direction where the business is headed helps you to prioritize and direct your team to deliver towards what matters most in realizing the general organizational goal.

Develop Business Acumen

In leading teams to successfully implement the company strategy, a first-time ?manager must?gain the knowledge and skills?about key business?issues and be able to apply that knowledge to make informed business decisions.