“If you change your thinking you will change your life.”
In my work as a consultant, I have found numerous companies who have promoted their best and brightest. The problem is that those high potentials, while once capable individual contributors, do not possess basic managerial skillsets to lead and mentor teams into the future. They become disengaging to their teams and struggle to achieve team goals. Here are 7 tips for newly promoted managers to become more effective at leading:
Figure out your management style-Become self-aware of your strengths and opportunities for growth and put a development plan in place for yourself.
Learn to delegate-Giving up control of a project may feel scary. When you learn to delegate effectively you will foster a sense of ownership and trust which will results in higher employee engagement.
Relationships and results matter. Becoming a manager means that you now need to accomplish your goals through others. Don’t trade relationships for results. Focusing on your team and maintaining strong relationships will help forge a path for better results.
Understand your expectations- Many leaders have a set idea of what they are looking for with their team results. If you have expectations be sure to clearly communicate this up front to help avoid frustration and disengagement.
Focus on what not how-When you assign goals, be sure to look at what the outcome needs to look and feel like and avoid telling how the work needs to be done.
Find a mentor- Someone who has walked the walk before you and can help you avoid the potholes and guide you to the easy path.
Get some training-Over and over I have found that newly promoted managers do not come into the role with any managerial training. They have been good individual contributors that have been promoted. Get some training on basic skills like: how to have a difficult conversation, giving feedback, holding others accountable, developing your direct reports, managing through change, effective coaching skills, etc