If you’re a new manager, congratulations! Whether you were promoted from within or hired into your new role, you have a lot to think about in the coming days, weeks, and months. There’s a definite learning curve to becoming a strong manager, and mistakes are inevitable. If you’re aware of the most common pitfalls, though, you will be ahead of the game. Here are some common new manager mistakes to learn from.
Playing Politics
One of the biggest mistakes new managers make is jumping into the minefield of office politics. Even if you were promoted from within the company, things often look much different from a management point of view. Adopt a neutral position as you get to know your new coworkers and supervisors. Learn the lay of the land and figure out where you best “fit” within the existing political structure.
Being Overly “Fair”
People are individuals with their own strengths, weaknesses, values, and way of looking at the world. It’s essential to treat everyone fairly, but many rookie managers think this means treating them all the same. Get to know your employees, including what inspires and motivates them. Learn what unique skills they bring to the table. Find out whether they like to talk about their weekend activities or draw a hard boundary between their work and personal lives. Over time, you will learn to relate to each person as a unique individual and strengthen your team in the process.
Change for the Sake of Change
In any new job, it’s only natural to want to prove yourself. However, if you come in with guns blazing, making sweeping changes just because you can, you can lose sight of the bigger picture. Slow down and take the time to understand your new position, your team, and how it all fits together in the larger organization. Then you can implement changes that make sense in context.
Faking It
No one likes to ask for help, but a good manager knows that communication is key. Be confident in your decisions, but reach out to others when you don’t understand something or aren’t sure how to proceed. In the long run, honesty will gain you far more support than bluster ever will. Likewise, steer clear of overcommitting. Know your production schedules and turn down projects that would strain your department’s time.
Micromanaging
Monitoring progress and encouraging your employees to come to you for help are essential parts of a manager’s job. But it’s equally important to give people breathing room. When assigning a project, take the time to explain its goals and your overall vision for it. Allow employees to ask questions, and schedule a series of check-ins. Make it clear that questions are always welcome. Then back off and let your team get to work.
New managers have a lot to think about. You’re going to make mistakes, but with the advice above, you can steer clear of some of the most common pitfalls.
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