10 WAYS TO GET AHEAD
AS A FIRST TIME MANAGER

Hit the ground running with
a plan for success. Here are 10 ways to get ahead as a first time manager: Being a manager requires many skills and abilities you can only learn once you’re in charge. Icons made by Freepik from www.flaticon.com

accept that you are a
newcomer. ■ Expect to be doubted and tested ■ Have clear objectives and pick your fights wisely ■ Understand that it takes time to build trust and respect ■ Own up to your mistakes, recognize your limitations, & continue one step at a time

Knowledge is power. Absorb as
much information as you can about: ■ The business ■ The department ■ The surrounding environment This will help you know how to reach the goals you set. know your business.

Knowing how to manage people
is essential. Understand how your employees: ■ React ■ Think ■ Feel Try not to act on first impressions or snap judgments. know your people.

delegate. There are some situations
in which learning will be a waste of time. Keep the 80/20 rule in mind: 20% of activities will bring 80% of the results ■ Find and focus on the 20% ■ Ignore or delegate the other 80%

set an example. ■ The
team will take cues from you whether you want them to or not ■ Hold yourself to a higher standard when it comes to work ethic and principles

Have connections to other departments:
■ You can “steal” best practices from them ■ There’s the possibility of future cooperation thanks to unexpected synergy ■ You can mix up the talent pools to benefit your employees or your projects build relationships.

know when and how to
reward employees. ■ Different employees have different motivations ■ As team leader you have to recognize your employees’ diverse goals and interests ■ This will help you skyrocket your team’s efficiency and motivation

Recognize strengths and weaknesses in
your people. It’s best if you can find improvement opportunities that synergize well with your team’s talents. cultivate your team. Invest in: ■ Training Sessions ■ Speakers ■ Coaches Either improve their strengths or eliminate their weaknesses. (Of course, there are limits to how much you can and should push)

It’s easy to let stress
overwhelm you. This can lead to micromanagement and inadvertently insulting your team. Remember: ■ You are in charge of highly driven professionals ■ They have families and problems of their own Bottom line, trust your team members. respect your employees.

find your mentor. Someone who’s
already been through the thick of it can help you see things from the outside and gain the clarity you need to make the best decision.

These are just a few
ways to get ahead in your first management position. And remember, always be good to your team. Without them you can't succeed.

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