From Do-er to Leader: 5 Tips for First-Time Managers

Stepping into a management position for the first time can be a challenge. You probably got promoted because you were great at your work, but it takes more to be great at leading others doing that same work. There are bound to be challenges you don’t foresee that may make you feel like you’re not up for the job. But you can do it.Here are five tips for first-time managers to help you out.

Prepare as Much as You Can

Some promotions happen quickly, but it’s more likely you’ll have some warning before you’re expected to step into your first management position. Use that time to work with your future boss about the expectations that come with the job:

• What does success look like in this position?
• How much time should be dedicated to managing your team?
• What sort of feedback and training is available?

If you were tapped for this position, it may be helpful to find out what qualities made you stand out and where you might need to improve to really excel. If the promotion doesn’t take effect for a few weeks, ask for a step-up assignment -- a project that can provide you with some training or experience before you step into the management role full-time.

Understand the Job

When people are promoted into management for the first time, they may think their new job is similar to the one they had been doing, but with the addition of managing others. It’s not that simple, though -- instead, you’ll be letting go of many of the day-to-day operations you’ve been doing and finding ways to get that work done through others. You’ll be responsible for a team, instead of just yourself; you’ll be responsible for results, but you’ll get them through other people.One way to get a clear picture of what success looks like in this position can be to ask your manager for an example of someone who does a good job in it. Examine what makes that person successful and create a plan for how you can develop those skills.Work with your manager to go over the job description and establish short- and long-term goals for your tenure. Plan to check in periodically to see if you need to course correct to achieve your goals and the team’s goals.

Get Help

Whether it comes in the form of a mentor, training or development, you’ll likely need some help on the path to success. Mentors are especially helpful for learning how to be an effective manager. To get a mentor, you’ll have to put yourself out there a little -- find someone whose work you admire, or who followed a career path you would like to emulate. Approach this person and ask him or her to mentor you. Provide specifics about what you’d like to achieve: a better idea of how to delegate or a plan for skills you’d like to develop, for example.Formal training in team management or professional development for skills that you need in the position can also be helpful. Private companies and community colleges offer courses in leadership training, management skills and other classes that can be helpful for new managers.

Understand Relationships Will Change

Moving from rank-and-file to management can put a strain on your workplace relationships, especially if you’re now managing your friends. You may hear that people can leave friendships “at the gate” when they come to the plant or the office and work as employee and manager, but it’s almost impossible to ignore personal relationships at work.If you used to go out with a group of workers for lunch to talk about the boss, it can be hard when you see that same group leaving without you because you know where they’re going and what they’ll be talking about. And if you’re asked to provide difficult feedback to an employee who is also your friend, it’s bound to be difficult. In these situations, you have to focus on your role as a manager, not as what you would like to do as a friend.

Go Easy on Yourself

In your first managerial position, you’ll be learning a lot of new things. You’re also bound to make some mistakes. Remember that getting promoted to a management position means your boss and the company believe you’re the right person for the job. Becoming an effective manager is a process, so dedicate yourself to learning as much as possible and improving every day.Looking more information and advice on becoming an effective manager? We can help!Success Labs is a leadership development and management consulting firm in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For more than 25 years, our expert team of consultants has worked with hundreds of companies to explore their business potential and improve their company and cultural performance. Contact us to get proactive about your people strategy.