Entering into your first managerial role can be both exhilarating and intimidating. Despite knowing the drill beforehand, first-time managers are often overwhelmed by their new title and everything that comes with it.

Supervising a group of people requires strong leadership, management knowledge, and the aptitude to deal with unknown situations. Being promoted to managerial station is a huge accomplishment, but it is also the beginning of a whole new challenge. As a new manager, these strategies can help you get off to a good start and better comprehend your new role.

Embrace Imperfection

It is natural for new managers to want to know the answer to every problem. The fact is, one does not transform into a ‘perfect’ manager overnight. Learn everything you can about your job, employees, and company – one thing at a time. This way, you will have thorough knowledge and take on your role smoothly. 

You can also seek help and discuss issues you are facing with a senior manager who has worked longer than you. As a newbie in management, vulnerability is not anything to be ashamed of. Acknowledge the fact that you are not perfect, but seek to improve every day.

Cultivate a Growth Mindset

Adopting a growth mindset is an essential adjustment you must make as a new manager. This will have a strong influence on your capacity to grow and develop, both personally and professionally. With a growth mindset, you can foster an environment that encourages productivity and cultivate success. 

When a manager promotes a growth mindset to their employees, it shows that the management acknowledges that they have potential to develop and learn, too. Employees favor being valued and appreciated, so a manager should provide more growth opportunities for employees.

Meeting daily goals and expectations is a must, but do not hesitate to experiment and foresee innovations on how you can create better impact. Cultivating a growth mindset can prove that you are different, in a good way, compared to the previous manager.

Read Also: Why Middle Managers Play Significant Roles to Corporate Change 

Foster a Constructive Communication Culture

Respect is earned, not forced, and a good way to gain respect from your employees is mastering the art of listening. To build a constructive communication culture, set up one-on-one meetings with each employee so you get their updates and know how they are doing. During the session, you can ask about what they like most about their position, the most challenging issues they face, and feedback on how to bring improvement to the company. Understanding people’s objectives, hang-ups, and difficulties cannot only help them perform better, but also benefit you as a leader. Be it an open-door policy or daily “office hours,” make sure your employees know how and when they can contact you. 

In order to become an effective listener, there are three aspects to consider: frequent, focused, and future oriented. Employees should feel comfortable coming to you without fear of being judged. This will push them to communicate with you more often to find solutions together, which eventually can lead to improved overall job quality. Therefore, try your best to offer precise and actionable information so your staff will get clear direction when performing their duties. You should also avoid bringing up old issues. Work toward a goal and keep an eye on what comes next for employees’ growth and success.

Take Care of Your Personal Well Being

Burnout is a real thing. And if a manager gets burned out, the entire team feels the consequences. You can be a devoted first-time manager, but always make time for yourself and your health. This might require adjusting your routine to accommodate a greater workload. If you’re having a hard time fitting in physical exercise, try making health habits a part of your team culture. Recommend team fitness challenges or something along the lines that will help your team bond and stay healthy.

You never stop learning when you are a manager. Making errors is natural during the learning process so long as you know how to get back on your feet fast. Before taking care of others, you must first take care and manage yourself. Finally, the most important tips to ace your first managerial role is to enter into the title with a level head and work through challenging situations as they arise. 

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