5 Preparation Strategies for First-Time Managers

5 Preparation Strategies for First-Time Managers 5 Preparation Strategies for First-Time ManagersPosted July 26, 2019, by JennyCongratulations Youve just secured yur first manager role. Youre no longer responsible for just your own performance, but for the performance of an entire gruppe as well. Its heady stuff and a little intimidating. Thats good - it helps you grow as a professional and a person. Youll certainly learn as you go, executing new and broader duties. Even before your first day though there are helpful ways you can prepare yourself. Lets take a look at our top five preparation strategies.1. Learn everything you canDevour any learning resources you can get your hands-on - management training materials, articles on leadershipand exercises in effective communication skills. Read through your companys HR policies and employee handbook so that you have a better idea of what to do in any situation. Also, bone up on the latest developments in your area of expertise. If your e managing developers, can you confidently discuss the full scope of programming language or software tools that your team uses? If youre in marketing, are you able to evaluate the range of skill platzdeckchens being utilised by your team, and introduce new ones that can be leveraged for greater success?2. Get to know your teamIf youre being promoted internally then this is easier -- you probably already know a little about the people youll be working with. If youre new to the company, then youll need some help. Ask for the names of the people on your team and look them up on LinkedIn and elsewhere on the internet (its not at all intrusive in fact, your team is likely looking you up as well).Also, research the people managing you. Get familiar with your immediate boss, and all other executives to whom you might indirectly report. Ask HR for a company organisation chart to get a view of all reporting structures. If possible, ask around about some of the key players youll be associati ng with in your new role - find out what kind of personalities they have, how they manage, what type of people succeed or fail under their management, and so on.3. Shift your perspectiveYouve not focused only on you anymore. Your job has now grown from executing a given set of tasks of your own to helping your employees accomplish their tasks. Take the time to step back and shift your perspective. Learn how to focus on the big picture, and to look beyond your needs to that of your team.4. Clean up your actAs a manager, your team will be looking at you as both an authority figure and as an example. You set the mood of the team. If you as a manager are consistently 15 minutes late, then it tells the team its okay for them to be late, too. If you are constantly in a schwimmbad mood or are impatient, then that affects team morale and productivity. To be a good boss, you dont have to be the cool manager (and in fact, you probably shouldnt be), but you do have to set a good example. If y ou want to lead a team of professionals, act professionally yourself.5. Adjust your relationshipsManagers whove been promoted internally have an additional challenge, in that the dynamic of their office friendships has now changed. People with whom youve shared jokes and secrets are now people you have to manage. Friends whove covered for you and vice versa are now employees you have to direct and may have to discipline. Its very important to step back from these relationships in order to function properly as a manager.You cant afford to be seen showing favouritism to old friends you absolutely want to be objective and fair when engaging each member of your team.In closing, becoming a new manager is as challenging as it is exciting with the right preparation you can get a big head start and hit the ground running. Go into your new role with a smart approach and an open mind and youll do a stellar jobThis article was produced for Career FAQs byMark Lewis, Co-Founder and CEO of HelloC ecil, a SaaS-based automated video interviewing platform. Management ResourcesOperations manager sample resumeOperations manager sample cover letterCareer Insider StoriesJustin Hillberg - General Manager at SurfStitchBelinda Lyone - COS General ManagerArsalan Ali - Woolworths Trainee ManagerInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGeneral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccountantOffice AdministratorPopular Career Searches11 top tips for effective time managementretail interview questions and answers for store managernew career for 2018examples of time management strategiestime management techniques at workManagement CoursesBachelor of Construction ManagementEnquire Online Enquire OnlineAdvanced Diploma of Leadership and ManagementEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Applied Business (Management)Enquire Online Enquire OnlineGraduate Certificate in Business AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineJennyRelated ArticlesBrowse moreBossCoworkersHow To Deal With A Bad EmployeeOne tox ic personality or underperformer can bring the whole team down. 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