Being a first-time manager can feel like a daunting task, but there are many things you can do to make it easier and help you get better results. Here are some smart tips for succeeding as a first-time manager and setting yourself up for greatness and management success.
Learn To Listen
Learning to listen is an essential part of being a good manager. Understanding what each team member likes to work on, their opinions, and their struggles will help you be a more effective manager. Actively listen to what each employee is saying to understand better who they are and how they fit into your team. When a team member is talking, set a good example of listening skills by staying off your phone and focusing on the present. You’ll learn the most about your team and develop a workplace standard of excellence.
Manage Time Successfully
Managing time is a big part of your new role as a manager. Using time-management software will reduce stress and help you feel more in control and allow you to be a better manager. Breaking your time into chunks has always been one of my top tips. By deciding what you’ll work on in each time block, you will stay focused and maximise your time. Allow yourself breaks and time to reflect on what you’ve learned. Prioritise your time for effective time management.
Delegate Tasks Effectively
Learning to delegate tasks effectively is a big part of stepping into your new role as a manager. Some jobs will be essential for you to take on, but many are acceptable for your team members to do. Delegate based on employees’ strengths and play to your employees’ favorite tasks whenever possible. Decide which employees are best suited for a job and assign it to them.
Set Clear Expectations
Setting clear expectations will save you a lot of headaches as a manager. Let employees know the expectations for each task and clearly outline how successful completion looks. Don’t take an employee’s assumptions about a job for granted; clearly outline what they’ll need to do to be competent in their roles and projects.
Educate Yourself
Learning is a big part of your new role. You’ll need to be able to answer a lot of questions employees may have about HR and other policies, so take time to understand your company’s policies and best practices. Invest time in your education, and you’ll be on the path to management success.
Set an Example for Behavior
In the past, you may have occasionally complained about a superior, shown up a few minutes late, or spent some time on your phone in a meeting, but those days are over. It’s time to set an example for your employees by having the best behavior possible. If you expect the best from your employees, you’ll have to do your best.
Now that you know these smart tips for succeeding as a first-time manager, you’ll be on the path to managing your business successfully. Listen, learn about employees, and set clear expectations, and you’ll be ready to take on your new role. Go forth and manage!
