Common Mistakes to Avoid as First Time Manager
So you got the job, or the promotion you’ve been looking forward to and now it’s your time to shine as the new manager. As difficult as it has been to prove yourself capable of this role, it’s as difficult to avoid making any mistakes during your new term. Of course, you want to shine and stay ahead of the curve, and to do so you’ve to believe in your ability as well as show results that advocate it.
I know what you’re thinking, Don’t people learn from mistakes? And if I don’t make them then how am I supposed to learn? Well, what we mean for you is to have enough context and knowledge so you can eliminate all high chances of any error.
Lucky for you, we’re well aware of the most common mistakes a new or first time manager can make and the steps required to eliminate them from your action plan.
Also, for more tips on how to transform yourself for the best of your leadership journey, check out Essential Skills for a first time Manager.
Analysis Paralysis
New managers often find themselves in the hollows of being too indecisive. It’s only natural to happen and fair to ask for help from your managerial peers or bosses if you feel that you’re stuck with something when it comes to making decisions. Being fidgety and using a lot of time to churn over judgment can be detrimental.
Acting to ‘Know It All’
As a first time manager, you may be internally compelled to often show resistance to bring your vulnerabilities in open. If you don’t know about something, it’s best to not pretend. Not knowing something and not being afraid to have it out in the open proves that you’re also human like your team members. Being open inspires trust amongst your team members.
Shying away from difficult conversations
Running away from crucial endearing conversations when they need to happen will eventually make things unmanageable. Establish a culture of planning ahead, scheduling on time, and presenting facts while you’re at these conversations. Ask for and give feedback on regular basis.
Not recollecting the Bigger Picture
Often forgetting the long-term bigger picture, new managers focus more on their short-term goals trying to make an impact and name in the eyes of their bosses to prove a point. focusing more and more on their short-term goals to prove a point. Do your best to recognize the elements and relationship between specific projects and broader organizational goals.
Using more ‘I’ than ‘We’
As a manager, using ‘I’ in your work place speech creates a symbol of personal achievement. This says and shows that you often reflect towards behaviors or feelings that are inward. But using ‘We’ creates a team-oriented environment. Common mistakes managers make is to sound self-centered and less focused on others, which in this context, are your team members.
Listening less and Talking More
For avoiding mistakes as a new to learn manager, instead of giving out a long addressal all the time when you want to motivate your team, take out time and listen to their needs and concerns first. It’s likely a possibility that a tenured team member can share some really useful inputs and bring forth a new perspective or plan to take your team in a better direction.
Summing up
It’s pretty much inevitable making mistakes in life, and in this context as a first time manager. But the key is to look at these highlights as learning opportunities and prepare yourself in handling challenges or chances of error.
Always consider asking others in a similar position for advice and insight. Questions like, how did you prepare for the job? What mistakes did you make? And how could they have been avoided?
Related Reading: Master Leadership As A Manager.
Additionally, look for learning opportunities to bring enhancements to your managerial skills. Explore our 12-week online Bootcamp for First Time Managers, certified and proven to bring improvements.
