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You got a promotion and finally have your own team to manage–now what? Your new level of responsibility can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. Here’s how to step up into a leadership role for the first time without making rookie mistakes.
Don’t let your new role go to your head. Be fair, don’t lose perspective, and be the kind of boss you’d like to have. No one likes a micromanager!
You also need to rethink how you interact with people. If you’ve been promoted to manage former coworkers, reframing that relationship can be a challenge. You might not get to tell the same kinds of jokes and stories around the water cooler. You definitely won’t be able to join them for a casual drink after work. By crossing the line from coworker to manager, you’ve created a new boundary. Respect it–and your team.
Now that you’re in charge, you need to set a good example. Be prepared for meetings, hit your deadlines, follow the dress code, and keep things professional at all times. You don’t need to turn into a humorless robot, of course, but your days of “getting away” with things are over.
If you are lax about lunch breaks, for example, the people you manage will be lax, too. Either that, or they’ll resent you for enjoying an apparent perk that is not available to them. Either way, you’ve created a problem for yourself that may be hard to fix.
Smart managers never stop learning and developing their skills. No matter your industry, there are articles, blog posts, books, and videos out there to offer new insights and information that can help you be a better boss. Take advantage of learning opportunities through your workplace as well as professional organizations.
It’s also a good idea to encourage your team to keep learning, too. Make opportunities for professional development available to them. Talk one-on-one about their career goals to see how they might grow with the company in the future. If you come across a particularly insightful article, share it with your team–but avoid the temptation to assign homework or a pop quiz. This is a workplace, not high school.
One of the best ways to learn is with a mentor. Ideally, this person has more experience than you in the same field but is not your supervisor. This person can help you navigate the new stage of career with grace by offering their wisdom and perspective. Just be mindful of how much of their time you are using.
Avoid complaining about your job. If you need help with a specific situation, ask for it. But venting for the sake of letting off steam is better saved for a friend–or professional counselor.
