When first embarking on a new management role it’s important to start on the right foot and make a good impression. However, there are a few common mistakes that new managers make which can be avoided through proper training, guidance and support. Here are ways in which new managers can ensure they’re leading from the front and getting the best out of their team, whilst achieving those all-important key performance indicators.
Have integrity and be authentic
Integrity is almost a synonym for authenticity. All true leaders are authentic and can admit when they make mistakes and don’t have all of the answers. If new managers are not genuine in their approach and are pretending to be something they’re not, a lack of integrity will soon show and as a result, they are less likely to get the results they’re after. To lead successfully, it’s essential to be able to empathise with people, as it will not only mean employee engagement will remain high but their performance will, too.
Think positively
Strong and successful leaders need to have a positive mental attitude. Being optimistic and energetic, as well as coming up with bright new ideas is far more difficult when negative thinking creeps in. It’s important to keep spirits high and focus on the ‘wins’ rather than consistently looking at the things that might not be going so well. Journalling and expressing gratitude on a daily basis are both great ways to achieve and maintain a positive mindset.
Create good habits
Certain habits can have a really powerful impact on a long-term goal, but not only that, they can contribute towards a really great work-life balance too. When starting a high-pressured management role, it can be very easy to burn the candle at both ends, so developing positive habits every day is essential. A great way to begin is creating a great morning and evening routine, as it can be really instrumental in achieving daily goals and tasks, in a manageable and stress-free way. Removing sources of distraction, such as a mobile phone for parts of the day, is a good idea to achieve optimum performance.
Delegate, delegate, delegate!
One common mistake that newly-promoted managers make is they get bogged down in the ‘doing’ which, therefore, means important factors can easily get overlooked. There are so many benefits of delegating tasks to team members, as not only will it free up more time to manage efficiently and action a never-ending to-do list, it will mean that employee accountability and confidence within the team will increase too.
Build good relationships with team members
Creating a strong team is vital to achieving business goals, however, it can only be done if each employee feels valued and appreciated. So, spend time getting to know each team member on a personal, one-to-one basis. Find out what makes them tick, what their home life is like, what their hobbies are, what their mindset is like and what their strengths and weaknesses are. By finding out these things, a strong relationship can be formed and it’s then much easier to help them reach their full potential. Don’t overlook the power of team morale – creating a fun and friendly working environment where each team member has the space to thrive is essential.
Develop leadership skills
There are always ways to improve and grow professionally, so it’s important not to get complacent after securing a new management role. With the right training and support, new skills can always be developed. To be an outstanding leader that maintains employee engagement and achieves company KPIs, it’s important to take the time to dedicate to coaching and leadership development programmes.
