A sure short sign of growth in your career is when you transition from being an Individual contributor to a Team Manager.
And when this dream actually comes true, what do you do?
Are you all armed up to take on this new responsibility or do you start looking out for self-help books to guide you on how to fair as a first time manager?
Well, it doesn’t matter which category you fall in.
Because after all being a good manager is a continuous journey, which involves learning and developing along the way.
Now lets begin with the reality of being a First time Manager .
When you are newly promoted as a manager there are multiple things to handle because your job profile is no longer the same.
There are expectations from you but no one to tell you what to do and how to go about it.
You suddenly find yourself surrounded by multiple problems and there is a constant push and pull.
You are stressed and overwhelmed with things at hand not knowing what to do.
Whatever you do, you find you are unable to get control over things and you find yourself multitasking and micromanaging often.
And there is a fear of making a bad impression on people around.
Nothing seems to be working well, you feel frustrated day in and day out hoping to make things right the next day ….
Am I right?
From my own experience, I know how challenging it is to handle multiple things and keep your focus on the main things, while still maintaining your calm and control over matters.
Research statistics show that 60 %of the New Managers fail within the first 18 months.
Do you know why?
Well, it is because they do not choose their actions wisely and are ineffective with their efforts.
But hold on it does not have to be that way.
You can be much more effective with the way you do things and create much better impressions on everyone around you.
So I decided to create a guide for you that will help you transition smoothly (go around with things more strategically and systematically, be more effective with your efforts and time, make a positive impact, feel more confident, calm, and in control )and thrive confidently like the other 40% highly effective managers .
Here is your complete guide on how to navigate smoothly with one of your firsts -being a successful first time manager.
A Few Words On Benefits Of Reading This Guide.
The guide aims at helping to raise your awareness, enlighten you and help you navigate confidently in your first year on essential things that you must know as a new Manager, which no one tells you in the beginning ,like :
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The 14 Most Common Challenges Faced By New Managers
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Stop Struggling As A New Manager By Developing 12 These Core Skills
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8 Mindsets You Must Adopt As A New Manager
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Habits You Must Develop For A Super Successful Career
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The Top 16 Things You Must Do In Your First 6 Months As A New Manager
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A Not To Do List -Things You Must Avoid Doing At All Costs
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10 Tips To Overcome Fear Of Failure and Be A Confident New Manager
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A List Of Some Helpful resources
Are you ready to rock your new role in style?
Nodding YES?
Let’s start!
Would you like to Make A SMOOTH TRANSITION AND THRIVE CONFIDENTLY in your New Role ?
Get the FREE NEW MANAGERS GUIDE TO THRIVE CONFIDENTLY HERE
1.THE 14 MOST COMMON CHALLENGES FACED BY NEW MANAGERS
It’s tough to make the transition from an individual contributor who does the work well, to a leader who must continue to do the work, plus lead others.
Those new to managerial roles often struggle at making the identity shift needed as they transition from being an individual contributor doing the work themselves, to a leader of others in doing their work.
Many first-time managers feel that no one understands what they’re going through and find themselves struggling as a manager.
According to some research statistics ,the numbers really prove it:
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20% of first-time managers are doing a poor job, according to their subordinates.
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26% of first-time managers feel they weren’t ready to lead others to begin with.
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Almost 60% say they never received any training when they transitioned into their first leadership role.
No wonder 50% of managers in organisations are rated as ineffective.
Here are the 14 most common challenges faced by New Managers
In a research conducted by the Centre Of Creative Leadership, it was found that new leaders face 14 common challenges of management .
NOTE-Keep referring to this guide to make sure you’re keeping each of them top of mind as you lead your team.
1. Leading former Peers.
First-time managers often find it difficult to transition from being a friend or colleague to being a superior, all while maintaining positive personal relationships and gaining respect.
Managing people who used to be your peers can seem daunting, but it’s important to remember that they are now employees under your management.
In these instances, it’s important to maintain strong relationships and create a positive work environment to establish trust with your team.
New skills needed include influencing, managing, and coordinating employees who aren’t in their direct line of authority.
2. Balancing the New Workload.
First-time managers must learn to be leaders while still being productive employees themselves.
New skills needed include time management, stress management, relationship management, and industry-specific expertise.
3. Driving team achievement.
First-time managers must provide leadership and guidance to their team when directions and expectations are unclear, a challenge that’s magnified when leading hybrid teams .
New skills needed include the ability to give directions to team members and monitor the team’s work to stay organized and meet deadlines, the ability to build and lead a team and strengthen team chemistry.
4. Navigating the Organization.
First-time managers now must learn to assert their opinions to upper-level management, including speaking for their subordinates or department.
New skills needed include gaining visibility with upper management; gaining an understanding of the company’s corporate structure, its culture, and politics; and navigating organisational change for themselves and their team.
Those without strong political skill may find themselves struggling as a manager.
5. Motivating and Inspiring.
First-time managers must be able to motivate both direct and non-direct reports.
New skills needed include the ability to inspire others to complete assigned work, to encourage them to meet or surpass expectations, to understand and boost employee motivation , and to be able to communicate the vision of the organisation to subordinates.
6. Holding people Accountable.
First-time managers have to overcome discomfort with giving feedback, especially negative feedback, and this can feel even trickier when it involves managing remote or hybrid teams.
New skills needed include holding subordinates accountable for their actions and effectively dealing with employees who lack ability, knowledge, or experience.
7. Coaching and Developing others.
First-time managers are now in the position to develop subordinates’ knowledge, skills, and abilities.
New skills needed include mentoring team members in their career development and holding coaching conversations with their people.
For most new managers, a focus on developing their employees is new.
8. Communicating more Effectively.
First-time managers must be able to span boundaries and communicate with people across all levels in the organisation, including team members, superiors, and peers in other departments.
New skills needed include keeping lines of communication open, learning how to communicate to achieve the best outcome — even (and especially) when that message must be delivered as a virtual communication — and effectively setting goals and expectations with subordinates and superiors. Communication is one of the most important skills for leaders.
9. Delegating and Trust-building.
First-time managers need the ability to identify which tasks can be done by themselves, versus which tasks can be given to subordinates.
As a manager, it’s important to be able to delegate tasks appropriately so that everyone has an equal workload.
Take the time to assess each task, understand who would be the best fit for it, and clearly communicate expectations.
New skills needed include giving up control; knowing when to interfere or assist team members without micromanaging or taking over a task; and trusting others on the team to do the work for which the first-time manager will ultimately be held responsible.
10. Resolving Interpersonal Conflict.
First-time managers must proactively and reactively resolve conflicts between group members.
Managing people effectively requires good relationships.
Be sure to cultivate positive relationships with your team by actively listening, giving constructive feedback, and rewarding good work. You should also be proactive in seeking out potential problems and addressing them quickly before they turn into conflicts.
New skills needed include identifying and addressing smaller issues before they turn into larger conflicts, mitigating conflict once it occurs, and dealing with resistance from team members. Confronting problem employees is often especially challenging for new managers.
11. Connecting Across Differences.
First-time managers must be able to work effectively with and lead employees who have different opinions, personalities, backgrounds, and abilities.
And leading with a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion requires that they be able to understand others’ perspectives, as well as how aspects of their own identity affect the way they lead.
Creating a positive team culture is essential in order for your team to function effectively.
Provide consistent support, guidance, and direction to your team, acknowledge successes and challenges, and create a culture of inclusion where everyone feels valued.
New skills needed include the ability to adapt their behaviour based on the ways in which different people work, and showing sensitivity and compassion when leading multicultural teams .
12. Prioritising Competing Demands.
First-time managers have to learn to hold competing interests in mind and discern how they align with organisational goals.
When managing multiple tasks or projects, it’s important to prioritise competing deadlines effectively.
By breaking down large goals into smaller ones and delegating tasks accordingly, you can ensure that everything gets done on time and with the quality you expect.
New skills needed include the ability to manage paradox and understand how to balance competing tensions, moving from a mindset of “either/or” to one of “both/and.”
P.S.-
If You’re Struggling as a Manager Yourself…
Dealing with these challenges of management can be hard for anyone, but especially so for new leaders.
Sometimes, simply knowing that these are common challenges faced by many new managers can help you feel less alone.
No matter how experienced you may be, continuing to grow in your role is essential.
Make time for professional development and stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends. Don’t forget to seek feedback from colleagues or mentors who can provide valuable insight into your performance as a manager.
Moving into, and succeeding in, a leadership role is a big change, and it takes time.
Be a patient, compassionate leader who is kind to yourself and others.
Being a new manager can be overwhelming at times, but understanding these common challenges and taking the steps to overcome them will help you become an effective leader for your team.
Remember to be open and honest, communicate clearly, and lead by example to build an environment of trust and collaboration.
2.STOP STRUGGLING AS A NEW MANAGER BY DEVELOPING THESE 12 CORE SKILLS
60% of new managers underperform during their first two years .
(Source: Ken Blanchard study).
They usually do not have the benefit of “years of managerial experience” behind them, and therefore, they find it challenging to navigate through their new role.
To make it easy for first time managers here are top 12 skills /training needs for first time managers to be better at their jobs:
NOTE- Don’t not feel overwhelmed by this list . Pick and choose one skill at a time and you will be able to develop 4 skills per year.
1.How to Delegate Effectively:
You need to train yourself on the art of successful delegation, which is the first step to prepare yourself for a managerial role.
Delegation skills are critical for new managers.
The ability to delegate tasks effectively helps managers to stay organised and focused on meeting their goals.
When delegating tasks, it is important to consider the skills and abilities of the person you are delegating to.
You need to delegate tasks that are within the capabilities of the person you are delegating to.
This will help to ensure that the task is completed effectively and efficiently.
It is also important to provide clear instructions when delegating tasks.
This will help to minimise confusion and maximise the chances of a successful outcome.
When used effectively, delegation can be a powerful tool for new managers.
2.Be good at Communication:
Communication is the key when it comes to being a good leader.
Great communication skills are essential for first-time managers in today’s workplace.
With the ever-increasing demands of the job, it is more important than ever for new managers to be able to communicate effectively with their team members, superiors, and other managers.
Furthermore, with a hybrid model of working with a mix of Working From Anywhere ( WFA ) and working from the office, managers now need to communicate across geographical and cultural barriers.
How to give right instructions, do expectations setting, conduct review meetings and give feedback, all requires great Communication
Skills.
Many new managers lack the experience and training in key communication skills techniques including in topics such as Intercultural Communication.
Invest in yourself by taking training on how to be great at communication.
By honing your communication skills, as a manager you can ensure that you are getting the most out of your team, aligning their goals with those of their superiors, and collaborating effectively with other managers.
3.Listening Skills
Also a form of communication, listening skills are essential as a manager.
For first-time managers, one can argue that listening skills are even more essential than ever, in order to understand the characteristics and needs of each person that you will manage and need to get to know in your team.
Managers who fail to listen enough fail to notice key signals and information that could otherwise help them to identify issues and also opportunities.
Listening helps you to:
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Be more aware of staff issues and unhappiness
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Understand what motivates each person
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Come across as a more compassionate and understanding leader
4.Conflict Management:
Handling a team of varied personalities with different background and aspirations is a herculean task.
Balance and harmony in a team is also must for the team to function properly.
Here comes the onus on the new manager to ensure that he is able to keep conflict at bay within the team.
This calls for a training on Conflict Management.
When managing other people, conflicts will inevitably emerge and the skill is in tackling and dealing with these conflicts early on, and effectively.
The problem for many news first-time managers is that they really lack the experience and training in techniques for dealing with conflict.
The key to conflict management is to develop a constructive approach that meets the needs of all parties involved.
When approaching conflict, it is important to be aware of your own emotions and to stay calm.
It can also be helpful to actively listen to the other person’s perspective and avoid making assumptions.
By taking the time to understand the situation and the needs of all involved, you will be better equipped to find a resolution that everyone can agree on.
With practice, you will develop the skills needed to effectively manage conflict in the workplace.
5.Problem Solving Ability:
New managers encounter new sets of problems at different turns throughout their journey.
Being better equipped with a tool on how to solve problems can come handy here.
6.Decision Making:
New managers often stumble while taking decisions.
It is because sometimes time is scarce, resources are few or simply lack of confidence.
However, decision-making is inevitable.
So, why not learn the tricks of the trade beforehand by learning different tools of decision-making.
7.Visual Appearance & Positive Body Language:
It takes just 7 seconds for you to create a First Impression which most of the times is your last impression as well.
You must nail it right!
Your outer appearance and your body language speak volumes about you before you even utter a word.
Learn the art of dressing right and using power body language to your advantage to move up your career ladder.
8.How to Network Right:
Does your heart start to beat faster, palms get sweaty and you find yourself at a loss of words at a networking event?
Well, however you might deny; but networking right is going to be one of the crucial skills that you need to possess to go far.
It’s better to start early!
Enrol yourself in a networking session, learn the art and get straight to practise.
9.Time Management:
As a new manager, one of the most important skills you can have is time management.
Managing your meetings with your boss, handling team issues, meeting deadlines, setting priorities– everything is going to take
your time.
With so many things to handle; you will now be living on the edge most of the times.
Suddenly 24 hours might start looking less to you!
With so many demands on your time and resources, it can be difficult to stay organised and keep on top of everything.
However, effective time management is essential for keeping your Priorities and Performance running smoothly.
By staying organised and on top of deadlines, you can help to reduce stress levels and improve your overall productivity.
Time Management is an important skill for any manager, but if you can master it from the start, you will learn how to do it effectively and set the right kind of example from day one.
Well, invest in a good time management training to ensure that you keep any of the
balls from dropping.
10. Hiring and Firing
One of the most important skills for any Leader or manager is learning how to hire and fire employees.
This can be a difficult task, as it requires both strong people skills and a firm understanding of the law.
However, it is essential to get the hiring and firing process right in order to build a strong and successful business.
There are a few key considerations when hiring or firing staff.
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First, it is important to make sure that you are following all applicable laws and regulations.
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Second, you need to be clear about your expectations and requirements for the position.
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Finally, you need to be able to communicate effectively with both prospective and current employees.
11.How to give Effective Feedback:
It is one thing to listen to feedback, it is totally another to give feedback!
As a new manager, you need to be mindful
of every word that you utter and the impact that it leaves on the listener.
By the way, did I tell you being a good listener comes bundled up with the package of giving good feedback?
You better learn the art of giving effective feedback to be successful as a manager.
12.Leadership Skill :
As a new manager, you will have to wear several hats,one of them being a Leader.
If you have never led other people before then the task of becoming a leader can be daunting.
You might be an expert in your field and have great skills in terms of job tasks, but managing a team requires a different skill set.
You need to be good at:
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Motivating others.
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Being able to lead by example.
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Building rapport.
Your team’s morale and productivity depends on the happiness quotient of the team.
And let us face it, everybody does not get motivated by the same rose!
Hence, as a manager, you need to ensure that you are able to strike the right balance within the team and also keep yourself motivated at all times as the flag bearer.
A number of studies on new managers have in fact shown that a high percentage really struggle with managing other people.
If you are a new manager, you must get yourself onto an online Leadership course that you can study in your own time.
Managers are responsible for ensuring that their team is productive and efficient.
They need to have strong leadership skills and be able to motivate their employees.
In addition, managers need to be able to handle conflict and make decisions that are in the best interests of their team.
As a First-time manager You may not have all of the necessary skills to be successful in your new role at first.
That’s why it is important for you to receive training on skills so that you can manage a team effectively from the start.
There are many different types of training that first-time managers can receive.
Some companies offer specific management training programs, while others allow managers to attend workshops or seminars.
Additionally, many online resources offer helpful tips and advice for first-time managers.
No matter what type of training you receive, it’s important that you are prepared to take on the new role confidently.
3. THE 8 MINDSETS YOU MUST ADOPT AS A NEW MANAGER
As a newly promoted manager, you have proven your skills as an individual contributor and are now embarking on a new journey.
The transition from contributor to manager can be both exciting and challenging.
To excel in your new role, it is crucial to develop the right mindset.
In this section, we will explore eight mindsets that every new manager must cultivate to thrive in their leadership position.
1. The Mindset of Delegation
2. The Mindset of Openness
3. The Mindset of Problem Anticipation
4. The Mindset of Ambiguity
5. The Mindset of Professional Boundaries
6. The Mindset of Team Success
7. The Mindset of Strategic Focus
8. The Mindset of Continuous Learning
Read The Detailed Post On the 8 Mindsets and How They Can Help You HERE.
THE TOP 8 MINDSETS THAT WILL MAKE NEW MANAGERS HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL
Transitioning to a managerial role requires a mindset of continuous learning and growth.
Recognize that becoming a successful manager is a journey that takes time and practice.
Embrace a growth mindset, remain open to new ideas, seek feedback, and learn from your experiences.
In conclusion, developing the right mindsets is essential for new managers to excel in their roles.
Embrace these mindsets, and watch your success as a manager grow.
While these shifts may not happen overnight, they are essential for your growth and success. Embrace the changes, be open to learning, and continuously refine your managerial skills.
Remember, becoming an exceptional manager is a journey, and each mindset shift brings its own challenges and rewards.
With time and practice, you will become a superstar manager.
4.HABITS YOU MUST DEVELOP FOR A SUPER SUCCESSFUL CAREER
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Keep a Record of your ideas
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Limit mindless distractions
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Block out time to disconnect
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Set aside time to read everyday
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Get some exercise daily
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Make healthy decisions
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Wake up early
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Meditate or keep a journal
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Reward yourself
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Get some outside motivation
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Keep track of your Progress and success
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Practise patience
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Do your MITS first
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Relate every action to a SMART Goal
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Say No to low Priority activities
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Use the 80/20 rule to make decision s
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Work during your most productive hours
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Block time
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Batch Similar Routine Tasks
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Single handle processes and Projects
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Schedule a weekly and Monthly review
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Create a sense of urgency
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Keep multiple lists
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Focus on your strengths
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Maintain a proper hygiene and professional appearance
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Help others
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Commit to learning
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Embrace failure
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Identify hidden opportunities
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Believe in yourself
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Network and build connections
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Keep your promises and be punctual
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Be a leader and not a micromanager
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Know how to speak effectively
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Learn to listen
5.THE TOP 16 THINGS YOU MUST DO IN YOUR FIRST 6 MONTHS AS A NEW MANAGER
If you’ve been promoted to management for the first time ,you’re probably stoked about your new gig , ready to take charge ,and let’s be honest, contemplating how to spend your first new paycheck .
Being promoted to a management position is both exciting and terrifying.
Being a manager is not easy, the same way it’s not easy to be sure of what to do and what not to do as a first time manager.
But If you’re like most , you’re also feeling pretty terrified .
While graduating to management is a huge accomplishment , it is also the beginning of a pretty huge challenge .
As a new manager, stepping into the role can be daunting, but by prioritising important tasks in your first 90 days, you can establish yourself quickly and set your team up for future success.
Not quite sure where to start ?
Get off on the right foot with these steps for a smooth transition .
Do not get overwhelmed by the list of things to do .
Pick and choose the right ones as you go .
Here are top 16 things you must focus on as a new manager to make the transition to a management role easy and successful:
1.Gather Knowledge Fast:
First of all ,make it your personal mission to learn everything that you can about the team
members’ roles and challenges as soon as you start.
Believe me , this is the big key to success as a new manager .
Seek out the management tools , resources ,and classes that your company has to offer.
Remember to read all the management manuals and HR policies. Read them ,digest them and keep them on your bookshelf .
You must also do some digging and learn more about each of the people you’ll be managing .Review their personnel files , resumes , and their past performance reviews and goals .
Your team would expect you to solve a wide variety of problems.
Learn about your organisation’s culture and values. Understand what is valued, how people work together, and how decisions are made. This will help you integrate more effectively into the company and establish yourself as a leader.
2.Find a Mentor:
Of course ,many situations you’ll face as a manager aren’t outlined in any manual .
How do you deal with a team member who’s underperforming ?
Or an overachiever who you’d love to promote but can’t because of budget cuts ?
The good news is ,someone else has probably dealt with similar situations you’ll face .
So one of the most important things you can do is find a mentor , someone with whom you can confidentially discuss issues as they arise .
If this is your boss ,great, if not find someone else in your company who can serve you in this capacity .
3.Shift Your Mind-set:
You’ve likely been promoted because you’re awesome at your job .
But the crazy thing about your new position ?
It’s not about your job anymore .
Before you were a manager your number one job was to accomplish tasks .
Now your number one job is to help other people accomplish the tasks in an outstanding way .
This shift is often difficult for first time managers , but it’s crucial -your performance will be tied to the performance of your team.
This means if your team fails , you fail .When they fail,
you should take the blame because you failed to give direction.
And if they succeed ?
You can take credit , but you have to share it with the rest of the group ,or they won’t be willing to do a great job for you in future .
4.Change How You Relate to Colleagues:
The Biggest mistake that new managers make ?
When asked this question ,’’90% of the women whom we interviewed replied that they tried to be liked ,’’say authors Caitlin Friedman and Kimberly Yorio in ‘The Girls Guide To Being A Boss ( Without Being A Bitch )’
This can be especially true if you’ve been promoted from within and find yourself now supervising someone who used to be at the same level as you .
Fortunately or unfortunately you are no longer at the same level as your work friends.
Address the shift immediately.
Let them know about your new role because you might have to juggle different balls at the same time.
You can’t keep up your twice weekly happy hours and closed door lunch dates with your work BFF without feelings of distrust and resentment from the rest of your team .
Also keep in mind that , while your former colleagues may be happy for you, he/ she may also feel awkward or resentful.
Try saying the conversation with- ”You know that I value our friendship , but as a manager , I need to make sure that everyone on the team views me as being fair and consistent , so our work relationship is going to change .’’
Easy ? No. Important ? More than you know .
5. Establish Goals for Yourself and Your Team.
Set measurable goals for yourself and your team that align with the company’s objectives.
Make sure you communicate these clearly to your team and check in regularly to ensure everyone is on the same page.
6. Build Relationships with your Team and Peers.
Spend time getting to know your team members and peers.
Develop a rapport and understand their strengths and challenges.
This will help you identify how best to work with them to achieve results.
7. Assess Team Structure and Duties.
Evaluate your team structure and responsibilities. Identify any gaps in the team’s skills or abilities and create a plan to address them.
Ensure everyone on your team has a clear understanding of their responsibilities and accountability.
Avoid surprises. Have plans and schedules that are known by everyone.
Your team must know when they have meetings and what will be discussed.
Hold regular feedback sessions, trainings, bonding sessions, and 1-to 1s.
8.Manage Up:
Building a solid relationship with your Boss is critical for your success .
Your boss will be impressed if you are moving in the right direction.
It’s more important than ever to keep him in the loop, since you’ll be reporting the progress of an entire group of people.
It’s also important to make sure that the goals you outline for your team are intimately tied up to your boss’s priorities.
Ask to set up regular meetings to discuss your goals, plans ,your progress, and any issues, and how they relate to the organisation as a whole.
9. Establish a Feedback Process.
Create a feedback process that allows for regular communication among team members.
Encourage open, honest conversations and use this feedback to make strategic decisions.
10. Prioritise Projects Strategically.
Identify which projects are most critical to your team’s goals and prioritise them strategically based on business impact.
Delegate responsibilities as appropriate to ensure that everyone is working effectively and efficiently.
11. Develop your Management Style.
Identify and refine your management style.
Understand your strengths and weaknesses as a leader, and develop a plan to address any gaps.
By focusing on your management style, you can set your team up for success.
12.Be a Good Example:
Polish up your behaviour and be a good role model.
As a manager ,you’ll be looked to as a role model by not only your employees , but also by others in the organisation.
You can’t expect people to give their best at work if they don’t see you doing it , so be sure you’re always on your A game.
This means showing up for meetings on time, arriving early at work, not openly criticising your boss, sticking to your word, and meeting your deadlines, keeping your personal options under wraps, and doing your best to represent your department and organisation.
13. Invest in Team Development:
Offer opportunities for professional development, such as learning and training opportunities to build team skills.
This investment shows your commitment to your team’s success and supports their overall growth within the company.
14.Care for Your Team Members:
Management is more than just completing the assigned projects.
It’s also about helping other people to accomplish their tasks very well.
Your success depends on the success of each team member’s success.
Be their biggest fan.
For them to succeed and achieve, show them that you care by asking for their inputs, fulfilling your promises, responding to messages and attending meetings as promised.
Respect your team members’ skill sets. When they make mistakes, use that as an opportunity to mentor them, not blame them.
15.Identify Key Stakeholders.
Identify the stakeholders who are most important to your success, such as your boss, key team members, and senior leaders.
Develop a plan to engage them in regular communication and build strong relationships that support your goals.
16.Celebrate Successes.
Recognize and celebrate successes. Small wins over the first 90 days can help build momentum and keep your team motivated to achieve even greater results.
By prioritising these 16 actions within the first six months as a new manager you can build a solid foundation for becoming an effective leader and fostering success within your team.
6.A NOT-TO-DO-LIST – THINGS YOU MUST AVOID DOING AT ALL COSTS
1.Having the same old mindset , habits and behaviours.
2.Having unclear goals.
3.Being too rigid.
4.Making too many changes too soon.
5.Not having mentors and a support system.
6.Trying to do everything by yourself .
7.Micromanaging.
8.Not asking for help.
9.Saying YES to everything and everyone.
10.Disrespecting the skills and talents of team members.
11.Being too friendly with team members and playing favourites .
12.Not being transparent with the team.
13.Blaming employees for team failure.
14.Sitting in the comfort zone.
15.Divulging important information to team members.
16.Talking more than listening.
17.Unclear and less frequent communication with the team.
18. Not investing in personal learning and development .
19.Criticising Boss or Team members.
20.Not addressing changing relationships with peers .
21.Telling your team to do it your way .
22.Imposing your own perspectives, instead of understanding theirs .
23.Making Assumptions.
Being a new manager can be overwhelming at times, but understanding these common challenges and taking the steps to overcome them will help you become an effective leader for your team.
Being a manager is an ongoing learning experience, and it’s probably never going to be “easy.” But, do your research, set expectations, and shift your focus from the get-go, and you’ll be off to a great start.
Remember to be open and honest, communicate clearly, and lead by example to build an environment of trust and collaboration.
Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out for help and support when needed.
With strong leadership skills and the right resources, you can become a super successful manager.
7.HOW TO OVERCOME FEAR OF FAILURE AND BE A CONFIDENT NEW MANAGER
At times fear can overpower you, because the journey is always full of new challenges , surprises and uncertainty.
It is quite natural to get stressed and stuck ,become anxious and respond inappropriately.
As a leader if your emotional and mental state is negative , it will impact the team negatively .
You will come out as an unconfident leader and might easily lose trust with your team .
Fear of failure grips all of us from time to time .
But having some healthy coping mechanisms helps you navigate the unknown journey with more ease and confidence.
So here are some tips to overcome fear of failure in no particular order.
You can use the ones that feel the best to you depending on the situation you are in.
1. Be Yourself
Remember that confidence can look different for different people.
You don’t have to emulate others or be the typical extrovert; there’s power in silence too.
Don’t try to “fake it until you make it.” That’s exhausting and only feeds imposter syndrome.
2.Develop a Strategy for Conquering Your True Fear.
Failure is a lack of success.
Since the definition of success can vary from person-to-person, the term “failure” can also range in meaning.
If you fear failure, sit down and evaluate what’s behind the mask of fear.
For example, this might look like actually being afraid of disappointing your team or not being able to financially provide for your family.
Get curious about what your real fear is and develop a plan for overcoming it.
Ask the following questions:
What drives your fear of failure?
Why does it scare you?
How do your body and mind react to failure?
What can you do to alleviate feelings of anxiety and stress?
Why is it important to pick yourself up after a setback?
Who is there to support you when you fall?
When you fail, how can you shift toward a positive outcome?
Answering these questions outlines a game plan for recognizing when it seems you’re failing and why.
Create a five-step strategy for handling the moments you think you’re not succeeding.
For example, this might look like:
Doing a body scan to notice any mental or physical changes caused by anxiety.
Finding an outlet to destress (for example, going on a run, meditating, or journaling).
Calling your mentor or someone in your support group to discuss how you’re feeling and talking through what’s bothering you.
Working through a problem-solving session to find actionable solutions to help alleviate problems caused by failure.
Blocking off time in your calendar to work on these steps.
3. Try Journaling.
You can clear your head before and after important events by writing down all your thoughts .
This can be a great tool to stop you from overthinking.
Once you’ve written a thought down, you’re less likely to experience it again.
4. Be Prepared.
Before events, prepare questions and opinions that you’d like to contribute.
Look at the agenda before meetings so you know what is coming up.
Read widely so you have original contributions to share about current topics.
5. Write down your Successes.
It’s always so much easier to remember our failures than our successes.
That’s why it’s a good idea to write down personal and professional things you accomplished .
6: Prepare for Success and Failure Through Visualization
There’s a reason people are fearful when there is a lack of visual stimuli.
For example, this might look like fear of entering a dark cave or swimming in open water.
As explained in an article written by Andrew Tarantola for Gizmodo, “For a large portion of humanity’s early days, we were far from the top of the food chain. Our ancestors quickly learned that many predators prefer the cover of darkness to hunt and over time that association strengthened into a subconscious absolute: stay out of the dark because that’s where the danger is.”
When we can’t see where we’re going, the body and mind naturally become stressed.
Preparing for success and failure through visualization is a strategy that makes us feel less in the dark—“where the danger is.”
It helps us see where we’re going and alleviates anxiety caused by the unknown.
Even if failure does occur, mapping out potential outcomes allows leaders to develop a strategy to pivot and avoid a significant loss.
In short, visualisation illuminates the path to goal achievement.
Begin visualising outcomes by:
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Defining a highly detailed end goal.
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Reverse engineering the steps it takes to achieve your objective.
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Writing down what must be true to complete each phase.
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Imagining what could occur as the team works through your strategy.
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Identifying potential obstacles before they happen.
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Developing a plan of action for roadblocks or a Plan B, should pivoting be necessary at any stage.
A leader or manager can feel a lot more confident walking into the future with a strong, thoughtfully developed strategy that lights the way toward success.
7: Use the Power of Positive Thinking.
Shifting the ways you think about failure can alter its meaning.
When we see failure as defeat, it does defeat us.
However, viewing failure as an opportunity to learn equips us to get back up again with insight on how to move forward.
Thomas Eidson was a champion of doing so. He once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
Positive thinking kept him pushing toward innovation and invention.
To practise becoming a positive thinker, try:
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Finding a constructive outlet when you experience stress and anxiety. Those can include exercise, yoga, boxing, creating art, or meditating.
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Recognizing and breaking negative thought cycles that deepen and strengthen with time.
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Working through harmful limiting beliefs that hold you back.
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Practising positive self-talk to boost self-confidence and self-belief.
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Conducting self-analysis to grow self-awareness and stop negative rumination.
8: Set Challenging Goals.
Comfortability can breed more fear and resistance that hinders innovation and creativity.
One of the best ways to get over fear is to confront it head-on with challenging, attainable goals.
While you don’t want to set yourself up for failure, begin branching outside-of-the-box to help you adjust to increasingly difficult goals.
For example, this might look like setting a goal to double the deals you close over
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During the next quarter, keep up this progress by tripling the initial number of closed deals.
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To help yourself succeed, work through a goal-setting process that allows for the achievement of objectives that push your usual boundaries.
Implement a strong goal setting strategy by:
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Making goals specific, measured, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
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Developing three to five large-scale goals that are more difficult to achieve.
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Tracking pre-determined key results.
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Developing a method and strategy for accomplishing these measures.
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Scheduling time in your calendar for working on top-priority tasks.
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Recognizing and eliminating self-sabotaging behaviour. For example, procrastinating until the last day before a big presentation.
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Developing strong habits like time-blocking, setting milestones, and creating an actionable strategy for goal accomplishment.
9: Focus on What You are in Control Over.
