Successful managers usually build on many years of personal experience. Many team leaders who appear as though they were born with managerial abilities often recall making numerous mistakes at the beginning of their managerial careers. When a person is new to a management position, they must first learn the craft of management, regardless of how many hours of theoretical leadership training they have completed beforehand. Here are six basic lessons for new managers.
Advice no. 1: Build a healthy attitude towards mistakes in yourself and your team
As stated by Forbes, a team leader must lead by example. They must show their employees how to cope with mistakes, which inevitably occur from time to time, and how to turn them into opportunities for learning and improvement.
Advice no. 2: Have subordinates who are better than you in certain areas
Some managers feel uncomfortable with the idea of having someone on their team who is more capable or knowledgeable than they are in a particular area. Remember, however, that the best leaders surround themselves with people who are more competent than they are in certain respects. Do not be afraid that your subordinates might „outgrow“ you, and strive to build a team composed of the most capable employees possible.
Advice no. 3: Consider personality when selecting new team members
When building your team, do not focus solely on a candidate's technical skills. Pay attention to their soft skills as well. Above all, you must ensure that the candidate is a good personal fit for the existing team and that their approach aligns with the company's values.
Advice no. 4: Do not forget to praise work that is well done
Well executed work should never go unnoticed. Publicly recognise those employees who go above and beyond and are willing to exceed their formal responsibilities in order to help the team achieve its shared goals.
Advice no. 5: Develop the ability to think calmly and without excessive emotion
One of the most difficult and important responsibilities of a manager is listening to subordinates, evaluating every situation objectively, and viewing circumstances in their full context rather than through a narrow personal perspective or by jumping to conclusions.
Advice no. 6: Be open to change
The fact that a particular approach has worked for many years does not mean that it will continue to work indefinitely. Times change, and it is necessary to keep pace with developments. Do not be overly conservative, and be prepared to adapt your methods and processes to new circumstances.
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