There is a fine balance between leading and mentoring, directing and bossing, teaching and demanding. The main responsibility of a manager is all of the above but the focus is on how you accomplish it. Your main task is to help others accomplish their job in a way that opens doors for them, creates opportunities for them and develops relationships with them. You must be cognizant of the fact that if your team fails, you fail.
Listening is a key component to not only learning but will also assist you in teaching. No sense in trying to fix what isn’t broken so being in touch with the questions and providing the answers is where you, as a new manager, must find your place. Your objective begins with learning everything you can before you attempt to teach anything. So, it is to your advantage to seek out the management tools, resources, and classes that your company may offer. Read manuals and HR policies. Read them, digest them, and keep them on your desk. No doubt they will be a necessary instrument and an important part of your job.
You will be considered a role model, not a friend. This by no means suggests that you cannot be friendly but your new position is one of leadership and you are the only one that can separate that relationship. Being an example by achieving deadlines, keeping your word, silencing your personal opinions and doing your best to represent your department and organization is crucial to your success. Being everyone’s best buddy is not.
Keep in mind that you will only impress your own boss by having a team that is synchronized and efficient. An excellent way to do this would be to have a meeting with your supervisor to discuss your goals, your progress, any issues, and how they relate to the organization as a whole.
A mangers job can be stressful and communication can be of the utmost importance to keep everyone on the same page. Be clear about your objectives and ensure there is no confusion about your expectations. Be ready to confront issues by diplomacy. Remember that every problem has a solution and it is now your responsibility to find it. Effectively managing conflict is a critical skill for the successful manager.
Positivity always outshines negativity. The more optimistic you are the more enthusiastic your team will be in the completion of their tasks. Everyone must be accountable for their own responsibilities, including you and one of the more significant tasks you own is to keep the ship on target, sailing smoothly to its destination.
Micromanaging can be one of your worst weaknesses. It rarely brings positive results. If you trust someone to do their job, feel assured you have given proper direction and want to see your team flourish then you must step back and let them perform. There will be plenty of time for suggestion, correction, and future betterment when you allow those you lead to take the lead themselves.
Finally, it all comes down to respect. You must first respect yourself with the confidence that provided you this chance to move ahead in the first place but it is also essential that you respect your team, your co-workers and your superiors. You may be in a superior position, but you are not superior to anyone. Always remember no one is perfect, we all make mistakes on occasion and pretty much everything can be rectified with the right attitude.
Now it is time to take the reins and lead. Welcome to management. Good luck.
