Hey there, congratulations on stepping up into management for the first time! It can be both exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time, but don’t worry, you’ve got this! As a new manager, you have a lot on your plate, but with some hard work and dedication, you’ll be able to lead your team to success. Here are five things a new manager must do within the first 90 days:
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Get to know your team
The first and most important thing you need to do as a new manager is to get to know your team. Take the time to meet with each team member individually, and ask them about their strengths, weaknesses, and what they like and dislike about their role. This will help you understand your team’s dynamics and how to best support them. You should also take the time to learn about their personal lives, hobbies, and interests, as it will help build a more personal relationship with them.
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Set clear expectations and goals
As a new manager, it’s important to set clear expectations and goals for your team. Make sure you communicate your expectations for performance, deadlines, and overall objectives. It’s also important to set specific goals for each team member, as it will help them stay motivated and focused. Don’t forget to make these goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound) to make sure everyone is on the same page.
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Build relationships with other departments
Building strong relationships with other departments is essential for success as a manager. You should take the time to meet with managers from other departments, learn about their roles, and how you can work together to achieve your goals. Collaboration between departments is critical for success, so make sure you’re doing your part to build those relationships.
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Learn to delegate
Delegation is one of the most important skills you need to learn as a new manager. You can’t do everything on your own, so it’s important to learn how to delegate tasks to your team members. Make sure you’re delegating tasks that align with each team member’s strengths and interests, and that you’re providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed. Remember to also delegate authority, as it will help your team members develop their leadership skills.
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Develop multiple leadership styles
As a new manager, you need to develop your own leadership style, but within this authentic palette, you need to be able to flex your style. You always need to ask yourself, ‘what approach does this specific situation require to secure the best outcome?’ Be flexible, recognise that you will on occasions need to be tough, other occasions you can afford to be relaxed. So work at a range of approaches always asking what is most likely to get the best result.
Remember, being a new manager can be overwhelming, but it’s also an opportunity to grow and develop your skills. By following these five tips and being open to learning and feedback, you’ll be able to lead your team to success. Good luck, and have fun on this new adventure!
