
Apr 23, 2014
To those who have just been promoted to a new managerial role, congratulations! For those of us who have been in such roles for some time, I’m sure we all have some valuable tips based on our own experience and hindsight for the newbies.
When I look back at my own experience in gaining my very first management role, it was both an exciting and daunting time. I had not been provided with the benefit of any training in preparation, but had been plucked out of my then current position and “thrown” head first into what seemed to be another world. It was a case of sink or swim and, luckily for my team, I revelled in the challenge. So, looking back, here are 6 tips I wish I’d been given to make my transition into management easier: Tip #1: If possible, have a discussion with your predecessor to understand both your new responsibilities and gain some background information on the team. Ideally, do this if you have the opportunity for a hand over period. However, please keep in mind, what you hear is only one person’s assessment, and it’s important to withhold judgement to avoid going into the role with any biases. Tip #2: Have a discussion with your direct manager to ensure you are clear on both the purpose and business objectives for you and your team. This information will assist in creating a clear line of sight in everything you do. Tip #3: If time permits, utilise your first week by spending time with and observing each member of your team. Ask questions about their role and how they work. I've found the following questions to be very useful in establishing strong communication channels when taking on a new team:- What do you like and don’t like about your current job? Why is that?
- What improvements would be beneficial to both our customers and team? Why is that?
- How do you prefer to be managed? Why is that?
- If I were to give you some constructive feedback, how would you prefer I do that?
- If I were to praise you for your work, how would you prefer I do that?
How do your Excel skills stack up?
Test NowNext up:
- How to link two lists in Microsoft SharePoint
- ANZAC Day – Lest We Forget
- What’s new in Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 SP1
- Customise the Quick Access Toolbar in Microsoft Office
- Dependency Injection in C#
- How to access Office Applications from within VBA
- Turn the heat up on your text in Photoshop
- An introduction to cloud computing
- Calculate the Resources Standard Rate in Microsoft Project
- Response Groups in Lync Server 2013
Previously
- PowerShell is for infrastructure types…right.
- Have an eggsellent Easter!
- Insert an online video into Word 2013
- They won’t take their shoes off!
- Designing Exchange Server 2013 Unified Messaging Integration with Lync Server 2013
- ‘Revise Contents’ – Outlook’s hidden gem
- Strategies to sell human services (Part 2)
- Dual boot Windows 8.1 on Windows 7 using Virtual Hard Disk (VHD)
- How to import public holidays into Microsoft Project 2010 calendar
- Scripting in SQL Server 2014