Devan Moonsamy
It is a giant leap to go from a staff member to a manager in the business. The change comes with more responsibilities as well as more goals to reach. The new role brings with it more money but it also brings in its challenges. The new role depends on the assessment of you as a manager and this is not just dependant on your own effort, but that of the team that you are managing.
The reality is that for a first-time manager, going from a team member to a team leader can be overwhelming. You would need to learn to trust and manage your reaction to the work that your team does. You go from relying on yourself to now relying on your team to meet the goals and objectives of the department.
Another challenge we might find is the need to be the good manager. There might be the urge to want to make everyone happy and to care about what they think about us. This adds pressure to prove your capability and worthiness of being selected for the job.
But despite the challenges, becoming a manager has so many rewards. It is a growth opportunity for you as an individual and an employee in the business. You get to work with a group of people who you have experience with before and since you were in their shoes before you might be better equipped to manage their challenges.
Here are 5 ways to help first time managers become excellent in their role:
- Conduct research and gather information on the role you will be stepping into. If you are a manager from a team you have worked with for a while, then this already is an advantage for you. But if you are moving to a different team, with new team members and a new workload, it is crucial to gather information. Gathering information and conducting research will aid in a smooth transition.
- Always be open to learning. A manager and a leader are always compared. One of the things that sets a manager apart from a leader is the inability to want to learn from others. It is important to be open to the learning journey. A team member with years of experience might have a better method to handle a situation or disgruntled customer than the usual method you might want to adopt. Consulting with team members and being open to learning will better facilitate a relationship between you and your team.
- Communication and engagement is key. Engage with your team and communicate with them regularly. Use regular meetings with your team as a way to be involved in what they are doing. Daily updates or even weekly updates will help the team to discuss challenges and it will allow you to keep track of their progress. Don’t be afraid to implement new strategies to improve performance. Have one on one meetings to assess performance and to get feedback on what works. Team members will appreciate the participation and enthusiasm you have in the work they are doing.
- Avoid comparison. This is an important step to consider when taking on the new role. You need to avoid comparing your strategy to that of the outgoing manager. Avoid saying things like “I know this is not how your old boss used to do things,” or even saying “this is my way of doing things.” When people hear this, they automatically start to resent any decisions you take. Instead set you own ground rules on day 1. Many team members might still be sad about their old manager leaving, being considerate to their feelings will help you win them over.
- Never stop learning. Be it going through the policies and procedures, code of conduct and even customer service information – never stop learning. As a manager you are tasked with operations, the key to success here is information. Speak to other managers, listen to the method they use to address issues with their team and customers. Consider going on training to upskill. It is always beneficial to upskill. Polish your skills in communication or even conflict management. If need be, embark on a learnership for management to better understand the role of management. The best way to have a great experience in the role is by obtaining knowledge. A manager that is always learning will see the value on upskilling their team.
Devan Moonsamy is the CEO of ICHAF Training Institute, a South African Corporate Training Provider & National Learning Institute. He is the author of Racism, Classism, Sexism, And The Other ISMs That Divide Us, AND My Leadership Legacy Journal available from the ICHAF Training Institute. He has also graduated with his Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Majoring in Psychology and Counselling) Practice/Registration Number: CO30161 – Devan is a CCSA Registered Counsellor, Executive Coach and Psychological Safety Wellness Consultant.
The ICHAF Training Institute offers SETA-approved training in business skills, computer use, and soft skills. Devan specialises in conflict and diversity management, and regularly conducts seminars on these issues for corporates. To book a seminar with Devan or for other training courses, please use the contact details below.
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