Every manager messes up now and then because - in most cases - they're human. (Honestly, some we're still not sure about.) Good managers respond with grace and professionalism and immediately put plans in motion to correct the mistake. Unfortunately, when you're a new manager just starting out, you often don't have the experience to do the same thing. And there are certain mistakes almost every new manager makes. So how do you avoid them?
Fortunately, we know the most common mistakes new managers make and steps you can take to work your way around them. Here are the top ones we see in the workplace.
1. Indecision
You were promoted because you have valuable skills and knowledge to do a good job, so trust yourself that you know what you're doing. However, some new managers become afflicted with "paralysis by analysis" and cannot decide on certain things. If you come up against this, it is perfectly acceptable to ask for help or advice. It's actually a sign of strength and confidence to admit to your people that you don't have all the answers and want their help.
2. Making all the decisions
Of course, there are also those managers that make every decision about everything. This is just as bad -- or maybe even worse - because this is an easy way to make your staff feel like they're just a bunch of drones carrying out the wishes of the Queen Bee (or King Bee). But, just like the indecisive manager above, show strength by including your people in decision-making. Sure, the final decision will still be yours, but giving your people a sense of ownership in how your department works will pay off handsomely in the long run.
3. Lack of a plan and goals
While you don't have to hit the ground running on your first day with your plans and goals set for the next five years, you should have an idea of where you want your department headed...at least a few changes you'd like to see done quickly...and a plan on how to get there.
4. Not meeting with your direct hires immediately
Sure, moving into a manager's role is a busy time and can seem overwhelming, but you need to meet with your direct hires as a group as soon as possible on Day One. This is an important step towards establishing good relationships going forward. This applies whether you're new to the company or that particular department, of if you're now in charge of the department you have been working in for a while. Once your introductory "Hi, I'm the Boss" group meeting is over, begin scheduling one-on-one meetings with each employee to discuss individual roles and goals going forward.
5. Trying to fix all the problems at once
I get it...you want to show your boss that he or she was right to promote you to a manager and it's human nature to want to make a splash. But, trying to get it all done at once will drive you crazy and could drive your fed-up employees out the door. Plus, you're telling your new staff that everything they had been doing before was wrong, which puts a major hit on your credibility. Instead, engage your new team in what they'd like to see changed to help the do their jobs more efficiently and effectively.
6. Not giving your employees the authority to do the job
Today's workers, more than any other generations before, want to make a difference in their career and their community, and they don't simply want to follow orders. Being a micromanager is perhaps the worst thing you can do to derail any productivity in your department. Instead, tell your people what you want for the end result on a project and then let them do it the best way they know-how. You'll be showing faith in them and they will do all they can to reward your faith. It's perfectly acceptable to ask for updates throughout the project but let them have the authority to get it done.
7. Not supporting your employees
Providing psychological safety to your team and them knowing that you'll have their back is the greatest gift you can give an employee. Knowing that trying something and having ti fail isn't the end of the world boosts the creative problem solving for your team one thousand times over. Innovation only works when employees feel safe.
8. Resisting delegation
In today's business world, there's virtually no way any boss or manager can accomplish everything that needs to be done by him or herself. New managers are often reluctant to delegate assignments and projects to their staff because they don't want to appear weak or unable to do something. Ironically, assigning projects to others and letting them do it on their own, is the biggest sign of a strong leader. Every good manager knows what, when, how and who to delegate work to.
9. Failing to live by the "Quarterback's Credo"
This has been a mainstay of sports teams in general, but football teams in particular, for decades and applies in management just as much. The attitude of all great quarterbacks, generally the leader of the team, is that when things go well, it's because of the team. When they don't, it's because you failed as a leader. If you live by this credo, your credibility with your entire organization will soar through the roof. And, you'll be that leader that everyone respects and wants to work for.
Most new managers will make one or more of the mistakes I listed above. It's especially common for young people who don't have a ton of work experience. How you respond to mistakes is crucial for how you will be seen in the future. Use these tips above to try and avoid these mistakes and best of luck in your new job.
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