First-Time Manager Tips [NEW MANAGER...NOW WHAT?]

Summary

This video offers valuable tips for first-time managers, emphasizing the importance of preparation, understanding your team, and continuous self-improvement. Key advice includes mastering time management, leading by example, and finding a mentor to guide you through the challenges of leadership. The speaker stresses the significance of connecting with your new team, gaining insights into their strengths and goals, and setting clear expectations. Additionally, the video provides practical tools and resources to help managers navigate their projects and avoid common pitfalls, ensuring long-term success for both the manager and their team.

Takeaways

• 😀 Prepare for your new role by understanding the difference between technical skills and management responsibilities.
• 😀 Get familiar with HR policies and continuous improvement education, including emotional intelligence and team dynamics.
• 😀 Make sure to connect with your new manager to understand their expectations and align with company goals and strategies.
• 😀 Get to know your team and give them a fresh start, focusing on their strengths, weaknesses, goals, and expectations.
• 😀 Find a mentor, either internally or externally, to guide you through new challenges and provide valuable advice.
• 😀 Lead by example to set clear expectations for your team, such as punctuality, problem-solving, and team dynamics.
• 😀 Master time management to balance both your team's needs and your personal tasks without becoming overwhelmed.
• 😀 Schedule power hours to avoid distractions and ensure productivity, especially when dealing with important tasks or meetings.
• 😀 Understand that success as a manager means helping your team succeed—your success is directly tied to theirs.
• 😀 Download resources to help manage projects effectively, prevent mistakes, and set your team up for success.

Q & A

What should a new manager do to prepare for their role?

A new manager should prepare by understanding the differences between their previous role and managing a team. It's important to learn about HR policies, emotional intelligence, team dynamics, and continuous improvement. They should also connect with their new manager to align on expectations and strategies.

Why is it important for new managers to get to know their team?

Getting to know the team is crucial because the success of a new manager often depends on how well they manage their team. A fresh start, understanding team members' strengths, weaknesses, and goals, helps build strong relationships and set clear expectations for everyone.

How should a new manager handle feedback about team members from others?

While it's helpful to gather feedback from others, a new manager should give team members a fresh start. Past issues should be left behind, as a good manager can influence team dynamics and help team members perform better in the future.

Why is finding a mentor important for a first-time manager?

A mentor is important because they provide guidance and advice for situations a new manager may not have encountered before. A mentor can offer insights into handling challenges, decision-making, and navigating the complexities of management.

Where can a new manager find a mentor?

A new manager can find a mentor within their organization, particularly through HR's mentorship programs. If that’s not an option, they can reach out to friends, family, or even business coaches who offer guidance.

What is the significance of leading by example as a new manager?

Leading by example is critical because it sets the tone for the entire team. If a manager expects punctuality, problem-solving, and team cohesion, they must model these behaviors themselves to gain the respect and commitment of their team.

How can new managers improve their time management skills?

New managers can improve their time management by prioritizing important tasks early in the day. Techniques such as booking 'power hours' for uninterrupted work and using 'do not disturb' signs or cards help maintain focus and productivity.

What are 'power hours,' and how do they benefit a new manager?

'Power hours' are blocks of time that a manager sets aside for focused work without interruptions. These hours help new managers tackle their most critical tasks early in the day before dealing with any immediate issues or distractions.

How should a new manager handle the dual responsibilities of managing a team and their own tasks?

A new manager should develop strong time management skills to balance managing their team and handling their own responsibilities. This includes using techniques like prioritizing tasks, delegating effectively, and utilizing power hours for uninterrupted work.

What are the potential mistakes a new manager should avoid?

New managers should avoid assuming that their past success in a different role guarantees success in management. It's important not to micromanage or ignore the importance of emotional intelligence and team dynamics, as these skills are essential in leadership roles.