After many years of hard work, you have finally achieved management status in your organization. While you know that your responsibilities will increase dramatically, you look forward to the opportunity and plan on being aggressive about making the most of it.
Once you are settled in your new office, it suddenly hits you that you have never been a manager before. You also realize that some of the people who now work for you are friends you made while working your way up to management. Before you take on the coveted role as a manager, there are things you should keep in mind that will help you to make the most of your opportunity.
Tip #1 for First-time managers: Remember That There Are Always Two Sides To What You Do
Forbes Magazine reminds new managers that, while you are always the one in charge, you are only one half of the relationship with your subordinates, other managers, and the executive staff. Being a good manager requires compromise and the ability to negotiate a win-win for your side and the other side.
Sometimes you have to step on a few toes to do what you think is right. But it is important to remember that even though you are in charge of your group, you still have to work with everyone else to get things done.
Tip #2 for First-time managers: Be Gradual With Change
New managers want to get into their positions and start implementing changes that they feel would help the company. The Harvard Business Review suggests that change, in order to be successful, needs to be gradual.
To successfully implement change, you need a clear idea of what you are trying to do and a well-defined path to reach your goals. You want to gradually introduce change and help others to see the benefit of what you are proposing, to gain support and give change the momentum it needs to be properly implemented.
Tip #3 for First-time managers: Always Be Sensitive To The Employee-Manager Relationship
The employee-manager relationship is incredibly important to your success as a new manager and the Small Business Administration suggests that establishing respect with employees is critical. Sometimes gaining respect is difficult because the employees that got passed over for the managerial position you were awarded may hold a grudge, or your friends may not feel like they have to respect you as a manager.
To gain respect as a new manager, you must acknowledge problems and come up with fair solutions. You need to make your expectations of the outcome of your solution very clear to all involved and, most importantly, see your solutions through to the end. It takes time to develop respect with employees as a new manager, but it is essential in creating a productive employee-manager relationship.
Plot your path carefully when you make it to the level of manager.
Tip #4 for First-time managers: Learn To Delegate
Delegating tasks as a new manager can be difficult because your employees can start to feel like you are playing favorites if you delegate tasks to the same people. Forbes Magazine suggests taking the time to understand the skill sets of your employees and delegating tasks in a fair manner. When you delegate, give clear instructions and be available to help employees out when needed.
Being a new manager is a significant accomplishment in your career, but it also comes with tremendous responsibility. To help you create a successful career as a manager, you need to learn how to interact with your employees and become an asset to the entire organization. Subscribe to the Sandbox Advisors newsletter to learn all of the tips you will need to make your transition to management as smooth as possible.
