Here are the Top 10 Leadership Tips for First-time Managers :
Accept that you still have much to learn.
You will have worked hardfor your promotion and have sample expertise in your chosen field, but youmay find that you lack self-confidence inyour ability to lead. Be prepared to learn from others– including your new team
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Communicate clearly.
Always keep your team fully informed of project goals ,priorities, and those all-important deadlines. Effective communication will be essential in both establishing your credibility and gaining the support of your team, so be sure to provide clear direction and always welcome questions and feedback from others
Set a good example.
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Demand from yourself the same level of professionalism and dedication that you expect from others. If youexpect the team to be upbeat and friendly, then make sure you are! If you expect written reports to be error free, then double check yourown work
Encourage feedback.
Sometimes employees are unwilling to speak up about certain issuesunless they are prompted. Canvass for opinions on issues such assupport, training, and resources while maintaining an open door policy so that your team knows tha tyou are willing to listen to theirconcerns and ideas as well as helpprovide solutions to any problems.
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Offer recognition.
By publicly recognizing the efforts and achievements of your team, you not only build up their confidence, but also encourage future contributions and effort.
Praise does not always have to be formal – praising employees canbe part of your day-to-daycommunication with your team
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Be decisive.
A quality leader needs to make decisions andstick to them. People do not feel comfortable with someone who changes his or her mind. You only have to look at public opinion on government U-turns to see how easily confidence in a leader can be weakened or lost al together
Help your team see the “big picture.”
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Take time out toexplain to your team how theirassignments and projects fit into the company’s larger goals and overall objectives. This will help demonstrate that every task they complete can have an impact on the company’s reputation, success, and bottom line.
Create an environment of constant learning and development – and include yourself in this process.
Encourage your team to explore new methods for reaching their individual goals andthose set by the company. Allowthem to make – and learn from – mistakes and be sure to rewardnew and innovative ideas
Provide professional guidance.
A good managerand leader will also be amentor. Make yourselfavailable to staff members andshow interest in their career development within the company. Don’t overlook the motivational power of positivereinforcement – your staff willappreciate your commitmentto their progress
Be patient with yourself.
Developing strong managerial skills takes time– especially as you adjust to your new position. Seek guidance from colleagues, your line manager, or your professional network when you need it. In doing so you will enhance your leadership abilities and make strides toward becoming a great manager
