Going from the ranks to management, no matter where you work or what your role is, can be a big deal. Being responsible for other people grants you a top-down view, and through that you get to see the full array of systems that both function well and fail to function within a firm.
For this reason, your position can be an essential factor in changing the status quo. You might focus on putting new ideas forward, or attacking problems with a fresh viewpoint. Either way, you hope to impress in this position.
That being said, if you have little experience in management before now, it’s not always clear how to excel. Moreover, it can sometimes seem like management advice is completely disconnected from the reality of working in your specific area, and platitudes are never a great way to sustain a career.
So, how can you ace that first role? Let’s consider some specific tips for success:
Learn Compliance & Rules By Heart
As the new manager on the block (so to speak) you are not only responsible for your own work but also for the work of your team. This means that you need to be familiar with the compliance and rules that govern your industry, your company, and your department too. You need to know what is expected of you and your team, what is allowed and what is not, and what are the consequences of breaking the rules. Compliance training is helpful then, not only to voluntarily attend but to share with your team. But theory is just one thing – you also need to ensure that your team actually follows the rules, and that you report any violations or issues to the appropriate higher-ups. This way, you can never be accused of neglecting your people or responsibilities.
Shift From Friend To Responsible Leader
One of the most difficult transitions for a new manager is to shift from being a friend to being a responsible leader. The last thing any of us want is to become a David Brent character. You may have been a colleague or a peer to your team members before, but now you are their boss. This means that you need to change your relationship with them, and establish your authority and credibility bit by bit. You also need to set clear boundaries, expectations, and goals for your team, and hold them accountable for their performance. It’s not easy, but over time they’ll begin to trust you and that in itself is a form of friendship. That doesn’t mean you have to lose out on affability of course, just be the kind of person who isn’t afraid giving direct instructions or holding someone to account when that needs to happen.
Aim To Heighten Your Own Skillset & Understand Jargon
A manager isn’t a superhuman. But you are expected to have a high level of skill and knowledge in your field, and to keep up with the latest trends and developments. You also need to understand the jargon and terminology that are used in your industry, your company, and your department too. This helps you communicate with your staff, but it also helps you understand what they mean, from a video editor working with a new editing program to new standards and rules adopted in the industry – it all counts.
With this advice, you’re sure to ace your first managerial role.