As a management consultant and executive coach, I work quite a lot of people who are shifting from an individual contributor to manager. There are many changes to be aware of during this transition. One of the essential element is the mindset of focus. As an individual contributor, the mindset is about getting things done mindset. As a new manager, the focus transforms to getting other people to get things done.
One startup customer who was transitioning from an entrepreneur to a new manager was having difficulty adjusting. It was challenging for her not to do the work alone. She encouraged her former peers who had now began directly reporting to her to let her know if she was stepping in when he should not be.
A first time manager has a chance to embolden people to think beyond good enough. Jim Woods
Her new team valued this sincere reflection. They would remind her that they had this covered and she did not have to worry.
Another important area is the changing dynamic of relationships.
As peers, we often go to lunch and share stories. As a manager, this change. The new manager is not included. This can be quite lonely. The shift is real. Caused perhaps by now having direct reports who competed for you position. Hire Jim to speak. Click here.
These ideas have been effective with our clients:
- Expect employees to have an expectation of you.
- Nurture your team. Your success depends on their success.
- Provide clarity. Expect to take ownership
- Be visible and available to direct reports.
- Encourage employees to speak.
- Teach them that diverse thoughts are expected.
- Understand your success is determined by the level of trust and engagement you have with your employees. Most people leave managers not companies. To do this is to keep your word and cultivate trust.
- Rather than delegating task to yourself, recognize your job is to trust and train them to be successful.
- Know your boundaries. You are responsible for a group of people meaning you cannot gossip.
- If you complain, complain up.
Be patient with yourself. You will make mistakes. You are a human becoming. Don’t copy anyone else. We all have a different leadership style depending on our nature and the situation.
I hope this helps. We’d be pleased to bring our thoughts to your organization. Please contact us to schedule an appointment. We would appreciate your feedback and ideas. Jim
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Jim Woods is a successful leadership trainer and speaker and executive coach. He speaks on employee engagement, leadership and change management, leading instead of managing and customer service. He is an author, a former fifth grade and university teacher with an impressive resume. He is beloved by audiences. To schedule a speaking engagement with Jim please schedule an engagement here. Go>. Connect with him on Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin.