New manager tips
'Eureka!! I always wanted to be a manager.' You have finally got the job that you always wanted.
'Now where do I start?'
'How do I manage my friend, Sarah?'
'Steve has five years more experience than me and also went for the job - he's bound to be hacked off with me.'
'I really must make sure I know more than everyone in my team, otherwise I won't be able to justify that I'm the boss.'
'So much to do in so little time.'
Here are 6 tips to help you on your way as a new manager.
1. It takes time to be a great manager. You are not expected to know everything and everyone in a week. Spend a certain amount of time just observing what goes on. Making rash decisions early on (first three months) often sets the tone for the future.
2. Each day make a positive step (or two) in the right direction to become a great manager. Take time to understand your team's business, even if you were promoted from within it.
3. Think ahead. You are no longer the key day-to-day implementer. Book a room and have a one to one meeting with each of your team. Let them do most of the talking. Discuss their business, their role, their thoughts, ideas and aspirations. Listen carefully and take notes. When you have done this, take time to formulate your plan for the next six months.
4. Discuss with your team your plan. Having discussed things with them, talk about how you see the future, your vision, how you would like to work with them and set out your ground rules. Ask for their opinions and encourage debate on this.
5. Keep to your promises unless parameters change. If this is the case, ensure you communicate the changes fully.
6. Learn how to delegate!