Your first month as a new manager – if you knew then what you know now…

I’ve recently been learning from my mentors how to do some of the techie stuff which has been scaring me for months! Learning how to navigate my WordPress site; learning the intricacies of Facebook and Twitter, and LinkedIn  and a whole new platform which will help me develop on-line programmes and resources to support new manager training.

Learning these things has been a little daunting, but with a little patience and persistence, a good coach, and some practise, I’m getting there!

Managing people is a bit like any of these skills – it takes practice. But it can be more daunting, and there’s one thing for sure: people are less predictable!

Me? I find that rather exciting, but I have to admit the first time I stepped into any form of management role, I felt a mix of excitement, anticipation and maybe just a little self doubt and nervousness!

The problem is, for many of us, moving into management doesn’t come with a simple manual! I couldn’t just watch a Camtasia video of how to introduce myself to my new team; or how to hire my first employee; or how to handle an underperformer.

Managing people is sooooo much more complex!

But that, for me, is also what makes it so rich and so rewarding. Get it right, and there’s nothing quite like the buzz that comes from seeing people fired up, creative, and really getting results. I loved it as a teacher – and it gives me the same buzz now.

As I prepare resources to add to the site, I’m wondering:

Imagine a new manager comes to you for advice. They ask you to say what you believe are the most important things to do in that first month, to help to get your people behind you.

What would you say?

My guess is, that whilst yes, managing people is a more complex activity than learning how to set up a Facebook fan page, you may well end up with some very common themes emerging!

I’d love to know your thoughts! What would your tips to that new manager be?

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For more information to help you with the people side of management,
including how to improve employee motivation and get the best out of your team, take a look at these great resources:

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Related posts:

1. As a committed manager, what do you want most from your learning? Models, theories and management speak, or practical, proven tools to improve the performance of your team?
2. Why employee of the month is NOT a good idea