Just Promoted to Manager! 4 Essential Tips to Lead Effectively
So, you've just been promoted to manager. Congrats on your job promotion! But now what? It's normal for new managers to feel a little (or a lot) overwhelmed at the thought of taking on a leadership role. But don't worry, here are 4 things you should do as soon as you find out you're going to be managing people.
1. Talk to your boss about what they expect of you
As a new manager starting a different job, the first thing you should do after finding out you're being promoted is to schedule a meeting with your boss.
This vital step allows you to find out what your boss expects of you in your new role and clarify your new responsibilities.
Are there specific business development goals they want you to hit? Are there certain team members they expect you to focus on?
During this meeting, it's also a good idea to ask about management style and if they have any specific communication preferences. Knowing this will help set the tone for your future interactions with your boss and ensure everyone is on the same page from the start.
2. Get to know your team members
The second thing you should do is get to know your team members. If you're becoming a first-time manager within the same company, the chances are you already have some strong relationships with the people who will be reporting to you (direct reports).
But if you're moving into a management role at a new company, or if taking over a new team that you don't know very well, then you must take the time to get to know the people who will be working under you.
Find out what motivates them, what their team goals are, and what their strengths and weaknesses are. The better you know your whole team, the more you will feel confident about managing them effectively in your new position.
3. Set clear expectations
Once you've talked to your boss and gotten to know your team, it's time to start setting some clear expectations.
To be an effective manager, your team should know what you expect of them in terms of their work and conduct. Do they need to complete specific tasks by certain deadlines? Are there certain behaviors that are not tolerated?
Making your expectations clear from the start will help prevent any misunderstandings or issues later. Maybe the most important thing is to schedule regular team meetings until you're sure everything if flowing smoothly.
4. Communicate, communicate, communicate
Last but not least, one of the most important leadership skills as a manager is to communicate effectively with your team.
Keep lines of communication open so that team members feel comfortable coming to you with questions or concerns.
And make sure that you're regularly conveying information about deadlines, goal changes, or any other updates that might affect the team's work.
Effective communication is essential for any successful managers-team relationship.
Summary
Being promoted to manager is both an exciting and daunting career development. Follow these four simple tips—talking to your boss about expectations, getting to know each team member, setting clear expectations, and communicating effectively — and you'll be off to a great start in your new role!
FAQs
What to say when you get promoted as a manager?
There are a few things you should say when you're promoted to manager.
First, thank your boss for the opportunity. Second, express your excitement about the new role and your commitment to the team. Finally, ask what their expectations are for you in the new role. By doing this, you'll not only demonstrate your appreciation for the promotion, but you'll also set the stage for a productive and successful tenure as manager.
How do you establish yourself as a new manager?
The best way to establish yourself as a new manager is to be clear about your expectations, both with your boss and with your team. You should also take the time to get to know your team members and their individual strengths and weaknesses. By doing this, you'll be able to build a strong team that can achieve great things. Finally, always be open to feedback and willing to adjust your management style as needed.
How long does it take to get promoted to manager?
There's no set answer to this question, not everyone is the same. Promotion timelines can vary depending on the company and the individual's qualifications. However, it generally takes at least a few years of experience leading people before the higher ups might consider you for management positions. Also, those who have a proven track record of success in their previous roles are more likely to be promoted sooner.
What should I do to prove myself as a new manager?
There are a few things you can do to prove yourself as a new manager
- Build trust with your team by being open, honest, and transparent in your communication. This is one of the key skills experienced managers and great leaders develop.
- Create a positive and supportive team culture where your team feel valued and respected. A good leader should create a safe space where everyone in the team can contribute without criticism produces better outcomes.
- Part of your managerial role is to encourage and motivate each individual contributor on your team to reach their full potential.
- Set clear expectations and goals, and provide the resources and support your team needs to meet them.
- Make decisions based on what is best for your team, not just what is easiest for you.
- Be open to feedback from your team members and use it to lead effectively and improve your management style. Many new managers fail to learn quickly from their team's contributions in the first month. They tend to rely on coming up with their own solutions.
