Getting into the role of first-time managers can be overwhelming for many. Although it’s an excellent opportunity for honing one’s skills and career growth, taking additional responsibilities is certainly no piece of cake. Nonetheless, dynamic individuals who are ready to take challenges head-on make the most of the situation.
Each manager has different personality traits, skill sets and experiences, and hence each has his/her way of managing things. However, some effective leadership techniques can help a first-time manager to emerge as a go-getter. Enlisted below are some of the tips that have worked for most first-time leaders to transform into competent and powerful trendsetters!
- Learning to delegate: One of the toughest parts of becoming a manager is transforming from being a follower to a leader. Adapting to the new role of being more essentialand less involved is important. A manager must learn to effectively delegate work to the team members. Whether big or small, a task must be assigned to the members who are best suited for it. Delegating not only relieves the leader for other pressing issues but also inspires team members to become valuable contributors.
- Figuring out what motivates the team: Building bonds with the team is one of the stepping stones to getting the best out of them. As a manager, one must try to spend some time with the team members and understand their strengths and flaws. Getting down knowing what truly motivates can help in a successful delegation of work, driving optimal results.
- Mastering the art of listening: Development of listening skills is an effective method of becoming a good manager. Being patient enough to listen to the team members concerns, ideas, opinions and challenges can breed loyalty and productivity. Listening doesn’t merely imply being quiet or giving full attention. It requires being aware of others unspoken gestures as well like body language, mood, and facial expressions. Listening on regular basis is very important to ensure smooth working especially when uncertainty is embedded in the workplace.
- Setting clear expectations: Competent managers establish clear expectations for each of the employees. They set realistic goals for the team and ensure that members recognize themselves as accountable for those goals. When the managers and employees agree on clearly defined expectations, the possibilities of confusion are ruled out and a clearer road map is created for the employee to follow.
- Creating a constructive feedback culture: Inspiring managers promote the culture of exchanging feedback. They appreciate good work and offer constructive criticism (in private) to the employees when they go wrong. A workplace environment open to feedback sets the ground for a growth-minded culture, leading to enhanced productivity and better retention of employees who feel valued.
Wrap up
Being a first-time manager is quite demanding. With tons of work to be done, important decisions to be taken and different kinds of people to be managed, the position of manager comes with a lot of responsibilities and accountability. However, there’s always a way out for those who wish to conquer new frontiers.
While there is no surefire way or a rule book to follow and succeed, constant learning is the real mantra to becoming a successful manager. Building confidence over time with trial & error and following the three Ps – Patience, persistence & practice one can certainly grow as a true leader!
