How Do I Succeed as a Manager?
Being a manager has never been easy. It’s even more challenging now with smaller teams, stressed staff, and increasingly limited resources.
Are you a new manager who was recently promoted? Are you a director who has inherited additional staff due to restructuring? Are you a leader who has accepted a new position? Let’s explore three important steps you can implement to help set yourself up for successful management.
30-60-90 day plan
As you begin your new role, it is important to have a plan. You should assess the management situation you are presently in and draft a plan for the first 3 months. If you are going to a new employer, it’s important to understand the history you are inheriting in both the position and challenges the organization has faced in recent months and years. Then create a plan that helps guide you forward.
Effective communication
Whether you are inheriting new members of your team or managing staff you are getting to know, it’s vital to learn how you can effectively communicate with each team member. What is your preferred communication style? What do team members respond to? One size does not fit all and you need to determine what works best with the individuals who report to you. If you are in a hybrid environment, utilize the early weeks when in the office to begin to build those relationships face-to-face.
Manage up-down-across
While you are a manager you are also a peer colleague and a direct report. CEOs and Executive Directors have a supervisor in the Board Chair and need to manage board members as a whole. It’s important as you take on a managing role to know what your supervisor expects. And build relationships with your management peers, as they can help you anticipate obstacles and be allies for future challenges.
If you need assistance as you enter a new management role, I can help you upscale your skills and develop a plan. I provide reasonably priced career coaching for professionals at various levels. To learn more, reach out for a conversation.