Congratulations! You’re in your first managerial position. With this likely comes more responsibility, a higher salary and subordinates. It’s an exciting time, but it’s also a good time to reflect on helpful career information, like what makes a good manager and consider what your management style will be.
Here are some leadership tips for new managers:
Set the example
You probably already conduct yourself in a professional manner, but now it’s even more important to be a shining example of professionalism in your new role. You are not only a representative for your team or department, but you’re also a reflection of the company more than others. All eyes are on you and your subordinates will notice your demeanor, work ethic, timeliness, behavior and appearance. They’ll follow your lead, so you should be setting the best example for them.
Learn to delegate
You’ve been put in charge because you have the skills and knowhow to get the work done, but you certainly can’t do everything yourself. You should learn to assign tasks to your subordinates by playing to their strengths. Don’t put more on their plates than they can handle, but don’t avoid giving them a challenge either. There are going to be things you can do better and faster on your own, but unless you give your subordinates a challenge, they won’t learn and grow. And you’re there to help them through it. Delegating provides an opportunity for employees to develop their own skills, knowledge and abilities.
Don’t micro-manage
A lot of new managers will find themselves “micro-managing” or focusing too much on the details of every task and project they oversee. It’s probably because it wasn’t long ago you were the one doing all the busy work. But you’re the manager now. Try not to get bogged down in the details of a project or check in with your team every minute until the task is complete. This will not only take you away from your own work, but will make your subordinates think you don’t trust them.
Be passionate in those difficult conversations Having a difficult conversation with an employee about poor performance or a sensitive subject is never easy, but it comes with the territory. Harvard Business Review says to make the communication about them, not you. Try to think about the position they’re in and not let your needs and frustration in the way. Be calm, clear and constructive as best you can.
Ask for Feedback
Whether it’s from upper management or from your subordinates, feedback will help you grow and improve as a manager. You’re going to make mistakes here and there, as we all do. Be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses and willing to hear what people like and don’t like about your management style. Great managers develop a flexible leadership approach that can be adapted to motivate and inspire their different employees. Bryant & Stratton College Online aims to help students maximize their employability skills for career success through its Employability Series.
This set of core competencies is integrated in to the College’s online degree programs, to complement occupation-specific training and help graduates get hired. Interested in learning more about the online degree programs offered by Bryant & Stratton College Online? Call 1.888.447.3528 to speak with an admissions representative.
