What's the best piece of advice you can think of for a new manager?

Question

I've never been a manager before and I'm really nervous I won't be a good one. What's the one best piece of advice you can give to a newbie manager before she starts her new career?

This can be answered by people who have been managers or by people who have worked under managers.

Answer 1

Focus on the positives of being a good manager. To be a manager is to lead a team. A good team leader must have key traits like integrity, peopleskills, vision, passion for the job, humility to apologise when you are wrong and the wisdom to accept your juniors' input.

You will gain credibility, respect, and importantly , cooperation from yr team. After all, leadership is about the ability to influence ppl to do what you want them to do.

Read articles here on how to be an effective leader in a workplace

Answer 2

First off be confident . Do not be afraid to ask questions of your subordinates..If this is a job that you were promoted to a higher level you should know the workings of the business etc. If not ask questions. Be friendly but you are not there to make friends, Be fair. Do not join in gossip, Be a leader, show you know how to help (as I am not sure what kind of business this is I have to make it general)
Leave your door open to have employees come to you with problems. Keep them confidential, do not talk down to them.
Document, document document. If problems arise you have a history of person or problem and can prove your case or ask for help in that area.
For example: I f you work at Target, you can help a cashier, or a floor employee if they are behind on their job or seem to be harassed with a customer. Do not take the employee's attitude personally, not everyone will like you or your decisions. Try to be fair . Work a little longer and harder than those around you. Keep a low profile with fellow managers till you figure out what is happening.
Not easy but you will be fine...

Answer 3

I'll tell you one thing, it's hard being a manager. So much to do and so little time. Just remember that you aren't going to please everyone all the time. Someone is bound to be unhappy at one point or another and that's ok. Just do your best and don't be afraid to admit when your wrong or ask for help. Some things you can do to build a good relationship with your employees is to listen to them whenever they have questions or concerns, let them voice their opinions, try to be sensitive to others feelings, communicate - have a dialog (don't always be barking out orders), tell your employees what you expect from them so they don't have to guess.
All of these are good ideas. Don't get overwhelmed with trying to "do it all" because you'll get burned out really fast. You sound like a good person, I'm sure you'll do fine.
Good Luck!

Answer 4

"Listen and respond with empathy." I've always remembered that quote from a managment course I took fifteen years ago. Problems are so much more easily addressed if you put yourself in the employees shoes first, and then develop your responses. Employees (self included) can handle almost anything if they know they were heard.

Congratulations on your new job!

Answer 5

Yes, I agree with above. Don't change anything right away. Get the lay of the land first. I think the most important thing to do is set your expectations. Let everyone know your expectations, let them know your values and your goals.

Answer 6

Gear Up !
Pull your Socks
and Take a Plunge


Understand the management here and see If it extremely needs .corrective measures.

If it doesn't maintain the status Quo.

Cheers!

Answer 7

Be patient, because people are getting used to a new boss.
You may make them nervous. Do not let them take advantage of you such as calling in. People will test you.Try to be flexible with schedules.

Answer 8

to be friendly but not friends with your underlings. That is the hardest thing to learn as a manager because you want to be friends but you really can't be, but you can be friendly. Just keep your own business to yourself and don't get involved with your employees personal business.

Answer 9

Listen to your employees and respect their opinions. That doesn't mean you have to agree with them, or follow their suggestions, but listen and consider them.

Answer 10

try not to change anything at first. Wait it out. Nothing aggravates me more than someone new coming in and trying to change everything on their first day.