5 Tips to Help First-Time Managers Thrive
Effective management is an important part of any business. When people are put in a position to manage others it is usually reflective of their performance, work ethic and acumen for leading and helping others both directly and indirectly.
The first time you become a manager, it can be both a positive and overwhelming experience.
Let’s see how you can make it easier for yourself to get to grips with the new role.
- Understand the business
It goes without saying that in order to effectively manage your staff, you need to know the organization inside-out.
Good manager is capable of making informed decisions and confidently set the direction for his team, even when under pressure.
- Prioritize your one-on-one check-ins
Individual meetings are very important when it comes to evaluating the productivity of your co-workers and addressing any concerns they have. It is your responsibility to conduct performance appraisals, as well as keep the morale high.
Make it a routine to dedicate an hour or two a week to meet privately with every member of staff and have an honest chat about their performance, happiness and aspirations.
- Maintain discipline
Getting the job of a manager requires a lot of discipline and attention to detail. It is important to convey those traits to the rest of your staff and maintain your own routines and structured approach that helped you get to the stage where you are. Good discipline is the backbone of productive staff and you are there to ensure it is being maintained up to the highest standard.
- Understand the importance of delegation
Wanting to be involved in everything and controlling every single little thing is a natural reaction when being put in charge of a business – after all, your job is at stake. However, try to show some trust in your team and provide them with some degree of autonomy. Not only does it save you precious time but also makes your employees feel valued and appreciated.
- Know that relationships have changed
You always want to stay friends with your co-workers, especially if you have been a part of the group for a long time. However, the dynamic of your relationships will inevitably change after you become their manager. You can still be friends, but be aware that you will be viewed as an authority figure from now on, and thus it is important to adjust your relationship not to disturb the working environment.
Starting in a new role is always challenging, no matter if you are new to the company or have been working there for years. It takes time and effort to become a good manager. But it shouldn’t prevent you from trying to become one. It is arguably one of the most rewarding jobs in the business world, allowing you to make a great impact, not just on your life, but on everyone else’s in organization. Embrace the challenge.