Managers are a valuable asset to an organization. Their fundamental role is to ensure the smooth operation of any business area. Managers can provide a purpose and direction that employees can rely on. They help their team to reach their goals and manage the day-to-day production and operation of the business.
That is why they are essential for the organization and operation of a business structure. Generally, First-time managers can often be overwhelmed by their new responsibilities. If you are a manager in a new job and looking for some first time manager tips, this article is written for you. We’ve organized the following tips to help you.
The Role of A Manager:
Managers are essential to the organization because the manager plays a vital role in the planning and decision-making of the company. In the current era, managers make the work of employees easier. Managers monitor employees & are responsible for every activity in the organization.
Managers are also responsible for distributing resources available to the organization, such as the distribution of the workforce, financial resources, and material resources.
Managers also set short-term goals for the organization and facilitate the executive branch to make long-term decisions about the organization. Managers keep reviewing employee work to ensure that the employee is moving in the right direction to achieve the goals. Therefore, a manager’s job is very crucial in an organization.
Why is A Manager Important For An Organization?
A manager is an important person in the organization who directs all activities of employees. He is also a good planner, coordinator, producer, and marketer. The manager works at different levels and is called by different names. First-line managers are usually called supervisors. Intermediate managers include all levels of management between the supervisory level and the higher level of the organization.
These managers can be called functional managers and project managers. There may be top managers responsible for making organizational decisions and formulating policies and strategies that affect all aspects of the organization. They can also call as Vice President, Chief Executive Officer or Chairman of the Board.
Functions of A Manager:
A manager has to perform a controlling function to monitor activities to ensure they are being completed as planned and correct any significant deviations. He also performs other functions such as organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling. All these functions are essential to the smooth running of an organization and achieving enterprise goals. Planning is needed to set strategies for setting goals and coordinating activities.
Top Ten New Manager Tips For The First Day:
Here are ten new manager tips for the first day; it’s great advice for first-time managers.
1. Start Assigning Tasks:
You’re no longer just an employee. You are now a leader and coach who need to focus on helping others succeed. And for that, responsibilities need to be assigned. A team leader needs to understand what tasks they can perform and what tasks they should assign to their team members. Consider your team’s skills and strengths to determine which will best suit employees for the tasks.
By assigning, you prove to your employees that you trust them and value their performance because it will positively affect motivation. Gallup’s research shows that managers are responsible for their employees’ level of engagement. You need to provide employees with opportunities for professional development and learning new skills. Always remember one thing: if your team fails, then it is equal to your failure.
2. Learn How To Deal With Difficult Situations:
According to research, employees in the United States spend 2.8 hours per week on workplace disputes. You will inevitably find yourself in tense situations. Your instincts can cause them to ignore the hope that the situation will eventually resolve itself. You don’t need to hurt the emotions of an employee. The more you avoid a problem, the worse it gets. So it would help if you learned how to resolve workplace disputes effectively.
If your team members approach you with a problem, actively listen to what they say and practice empathy. You must acknowledge your employees’ feelings and understand their points of view. In such a manner, you can get to the root of the problem and work together to find the right solution.
3. Acknowledge Changed Position:
Conflict in the workplace often occurs when your relationship begins to change. If you’ve been promoted from the inside, it’s possible that the person you chat with as usual is now a direct report or that you are managing employees who were once your close colleagues.
Finding a balance between a friend and a manager is challenging but significant. Some information is highly confidential to share, and you cannot let personal relationships color your decision. Therefore, it is better to resolve any changes actively. You should value your friendship, but as a manager, you need a team that trusts you and see you as fair and consistent
4. Build Trust and Confidence:
You should schedule face-to-face meetings with each of your direct reports. During those meetings, ask them what their professional goals are and how you can help them take the next step in their career. If you invest in their future, there are more chances that they will feel more invested in the company. Research shows that employees work harder when they feel confident in their manager. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize building trust and confidence among employees.
Transparency can also help in building trust. When decisions are made, talk openly with the team about the implications and consequences of those decisions, whether positive or negative. Share important information and what you’re working on, and encourage others to do the same. This open and honest dialogue will build trust between the team.
5. Provide Timely feedback:
Providing timely feedback allows employees to improve their performance, which will increase confidence. According to a PwC survey, approximately 60% of respondents seek feedback daily or weekly.
If an employee needs feedback, then make sure it will be provided at the time. You don’t need to wait for the annual review. If the project has passed, then subordinates cannot apply the advice. You may create additional obstacles if you do not resolve the situation immediately
6. Ask for Feedback:
Just as you expect your teammates to learn from your feedback, you must try to assess your strengths & weaknesses so that you can grow over time. Don’t hesitate to ask your employees for constructive feedback so that you can identify areas where you may need improvement. This will assist you in setting objectives or goals for yourself, but it will also show your workforce that you value their input & you have the interests of the whole team at heart.
7. Find A Mentor And Counselor:
Sometimes you have to face a new problem. Suppose someone in your company has already dealt with an underperforming employee or has been forced to tell someone who is overperforming benefits. In this case, it’s crucial to find a counselor or mentor who can refer you for advice for first-time managers. You can avoid making leadership mistakes by learning from their mistakes and errors.
8. Don’t Get Discouraged:
Don’t be discouraged if problems and issues arise. You are a new manager, and this job is new for you. You don’t expect to know everything about managing things. When required, ask for help, learn from your mistakes, and accept any feedback graciously. It is straightforward to feel overwhelmed by the new role. Always remind yourself that you were promoted for a reason.
9. Improve Your Leadership Skills:
Although the terms “leadership” & “management” are often used together, they are separate sets of skills. You have likely been promoted to a new position based on the management skills you demonstrate, such as problem solving and delegation. Now that the “Manager” title is given to you, it’s time to show your leadership skills.
Leaders often demonstrate vital characteristics, including high emotional intelligence, excellent interpersonal skills, and resilience. These characteristics allow them to understand the needs of their teammates better and empower them to work toward a common objective. Although not all leaders hold managerial positions, strong leadership skills make great managers.
10. Impressive Communicator is A Must:
Communication is the driving force and power behind everything we do as human beings. Therefore, it is crucial to be an excellent communicator as a manager. You need to set clear expectations for your employees, be transparent about essential issues, and set guidelines for giving and receiving feedback. The manager should respect employees’ concerns, opinions, and ideas. Always encourage authenticity and weakness of employees while guiding them.
James Humes said:
“The art of communication is the language of leadership”.
Without proper communication, managers can’t fulfill the objectives of the organization. Effective communication might contribute to organizational success in different ways. It can generate employee morale, satisfaction & engagement. Good communication can help employees understand the terms & conditions of their employment and drive their commitment and loyalty.
