The Unseen Juggling Act: Daily Challenges of a Manager

By Jorge Thauby and Antoni Gil Pujol, PhD

Stepping into a managerial role often comes with an enormous set of expectations, but there's a side to the job that no one quite prepares you for. Beyond the spreadsheets and meetings lies a complex and often unseen juggling act of tasks that demand daily attention. From conflict resolution to emotional intelligence, managing effectively requires a diverse skill set that extends beyond technical prowess. Let's delve into some of these daily challenges and explore how new managers can navigate them.

1. Conflict Resolution: According to a study by CPP Global, employees spend an average of 2.8 hours per week dealing with workplace conflicts, equating to approximately $359 billion in paid hours per year in the United States alone. Managers often find themselves in the midst of these conflicts, tasked with finding resolutions that maintain harmony and productivity within the team.

2. Performance Management: Gallup reports that only 14% of employees strongly agree that their performance reviews inspire them to improve. Effective performance management goes beyond annual appraisals; it involves ongoing feedback, goal setting, and support to help employees reach their full potential.

3. Change Management: A survey by McKinsey found that only 26% of respondents indicated that the transformations they're most familiar with have been very or completely successful at both improving performance and equipping the organization to sustain improvements over time. Managing change requires clear communication, empathy, and the ability to navigate resistance.

4. Delegation: Harvard Business Review suggests that leaders who fail to delegate effectively are often overwhelmed and burned out, leading to decreased productivity and morale within their teams. Delegation involves not only assigning tasks but also empowering team members and providing necessary support and resources.

5. Emotional Intelligence: Research by TalentSmart found that emotional intelligence accounts for 58% of job performance in all types of jobs, making it a critical skill for managers. Understanding and managing one's emotions, as well as empathizing with others are essential for building strong relationships and leading effectively.

In conclusion, the daily challenges of management extend far beyond the technical aspects of the job. Conflict resolution, performance management, change management, delegation, and emotional intelligence are just a few of the tasks that managers must juggle each day.

These tasks can overwhelm even the most seasoned managers, let alone those new to their roles. Having a coach at your side offers a holistic approach to developing the skills necessary for effective management. By providing guidance, feedback, and support tailored to individual needs, coaches empower managers to navigate challenges with confidence and empathy.

By investing in coaching, new managers can acquire and perfect these necessary skills, setting themselves up for success in their roles. As the landscape of work continues to evolve, the ability to navigate these challenges with grace and resilience will become increasingly invaluable. Do you have a coach? Why or why not?