101: New managers
In 2016, Robert Half Management Resources surveyed 2,200 CFOs and asked their views on the most difficult part of becoming a first-time manager. The most difficult part – with 32 percent of respondents expressing this view – was balancing their own individual job responsibilities with time spent supervising others. You can't not delegate; but you can't delegate too much. What are some ways to make the new role in management a bit easier?
Set up boundaries. This is especially difficult but important if you are now managing former peers or friends. The relationship is different now, said Victor Lipman at Forbes.com. Clear communication is best. “Explain what you will need … and what they can expect from you. The new relationship status is not easy for them either,” Lipman writes. Addressing the new dynamic, head on, is best for all.
Define your role to yourself. Considering yourself your subordinates' boss or supervisor is using outdated, vague terminology, writes Wayne Madden at the American Management Association website. “Your role is to ensure that you and your team members work effectively as individuals and as a team to accomplish or exceed your individual and team goals with the least amount of resistance, the maximum use of effort, time and talent, and the appropriate amount of recognition, praise and compensation,” Madden says. Terms like “chief collaborator,” “obstacle-remover” or “team leader” are likely more helpful as you set goals.
Be scared – it's OK! Anthony K. Tjan of Harvard Business Review says no manager is ever completely confident they are handling things the right way. “'Risk taking' is a handy MBA term and euphemism for a condition of self-imposed vulnerability,” he writes. Being too comfortable and anxiety free could mean you are not taking actions to create positive change; risk goes along with that pursuit.
WBJ Web Partners
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments