If you are a first-time manager, you have a lot on your plate. The transition from employee to management is exciting, but it is also fraught with first-time challenges. You’ve got your own workload to handle, and now you are honing the skills you need to manage others effectively. Most managers don’t get the kind of training they should when taking on their new role. Often, they are thrust into the position without the benefit of specialized coaching and expected to step up, but the truth is, a management role is much different than that of non-management. Your work relationships, the way you approach your work, and how you relate to the organization changes.
To get you started, here are five essential skills that you, as a first-time manager, should master now:
1. Hiring/recruiting
As a new manager, you may be asked to participate in the hiring and recruiting process. While recruiting is a highly nuanced skill that you will develop more aptitude for over time, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, know that you’re not in this alone. Collaborate with others in the organization as well as within your team to identify staffing needs and understand the essential skills to maintain company culture. Second, clearly, understand the skills needed to accomplish the jobs that need to be done within your team. Third, always be on the lookout for talent, even when you don’t anticipate a need. There is much more under this heading, but these should get you started.
2. Building trust
Having trust in someone gives you and them a sense of safety. Knowing that you can depend on that person to do the right thing, get the job done, and safeguard you and the company should the need arise is part of what creates a strong team. Without trust, no risks are taken, creative ideas are left unspoken, and people will tend to spend more time looking out for themselves than helping others. An effective team is built on trust and, as a manager, it is your responsibility to lead by example. Communicate honestly and openly, don’t lay blame, and support your team members by showing that you trust in them.
3. Feedback
Giving timely and constructive feedback is critical in leading a team if errors are made. Just as important, is the impromptu moments of finding a team member doing something right. Observing and assessing an employee’s performance is key but being able to communicate to them—both what they are doing very well and what needs improvement—is what’s going to build trust and deliver quantifiable results.
4. Performance conversations to determine growth
Conducting periodic performance conversations and annual performance evaluations are essential as they allow employees to share thoughts about their own work experience, receive constructive feedback, find out how they are doing, and identify areas of improvement. As a company grows, so do the expectations we place on employees. Annual performance evaluations will be used to create goals with the employee and the ongoing performance conversations will help determine whether these goals are aligned.
5. Accountability
Personal accountability is a key management skill. Pointing fingers is seen as a deflective tactic and can deliver a blow to team morale. But, taking ownership of situations will help to build confidence among your team and those you report to. Being open, direct, and accountable is a crucial management skill you need to cultivate.
If you are a first-time manager looking to master these five essential skills, we can help. Reach out today to learn how.