This moment marks an incredible point in your career. The landmark that is becoming a leader and manager.
You've reached this point as a result of your hard work and performance, which is a fantastic source of pride. However, this pride is now likely being stirred into a cocktail of excitement and anxiety that is whirling in your mind and stomach.
That is because you are about to leap into the big unknown. The unknown that has been created by the change in perspective now at play, your success will no longer just be based on your personal performance, now it will also be measured on the performance of your team members.
Your purpose is no longer centred around your outputs, it is to create an environment for everyone to thrive.
This refocus can be very tricky for star performers to fully grasp as it redefines success for them and strays from continually achieving their current purpose. However, whilst it may take some adjustment, your value can become even greater if you can create a team of star performers.
Here are 7 steps to do exactly that!
Don't Fall Back
It is important to remind yourself that you are no longer employed to do the job that you did before. You are now guiding others to achieve brilliant things in the role you did previously, rather than doing it yourself and doing it for them.
If you fall back into your old commitments, and you are taking on tasks rather than supporting others, then you will be putting yourself in a tough position to manage. You will quickly be seen as someone who is micromanaging and getting too involved in the finer details.
Trust
Your reputation and everything that you have built it to be at this moment, is now in the hands of your team. It is quite scary really.
However, whilst it may seem that hovering above every member of your team will be a crucial way of ensuring that your reputation remains intact. Surprisingly though, this may be your undoing. Clinging to control sends the message to your team that you do not trust them enough to let go.
Good managers allow people to do their job and in their way. This is also key towards determining their strengths and weaknesses so that they can be coached effectively.
Be Present
If you are feeling slightly conscious and uncertain in your managerial abilities, you could be tempted to get less involved with the actual managing in fear of judgement or making errors.
Be there for your team and get stuck into getting to know and understand them more. Knowing that you are easy to locate and approach will only help in the way in which you are viewed by those in your team.
Don't Overhaul Everything Immediately
You need to give the established ways a good chance first, despite all your bubbling ideas. You’ll cause resentment if you fix things that weren’t broken- and you’ll damage productivity too while everything gets changed (and quite possibly changed back again when you realise the original way was better.)
Bide your time, make assessments and consult the team about any changes you’re considering.
First Impressions Count
At the beginning of your management tenure, you have to set a good standard and give your team an idea of what they can expect as they continue to work with you.
There is definitely a balance to be struck with this. The best advice we can give is to role model the behavioural standards that you expect from your team, and clearly display your dedication and effort to your role and your responsibility to them.
With this, respect and authority will continually be established. Much more so than if you were to display extreme emotions to fast track it, which includes managers who like to set their stall out early and establish a clear divide between themselves and their team.
Positivity
Part of your responsibility of creating an atmosphere where people can thrive involves making it an environment that breathes positive energy.
Connecting with your team members as people, and setting SMART goals that help them to see what they can truly achieve as part of the team will all help to build this sensation.
You should also ask for their input into what would make their work environment a positive one, as viewpoints may vary.
Dedicate Time To Coaching And Strategic Planning
Don't get caught up in the day-to-day management tasks and lose sight of the bigger picture. Once you have a grasp on the ins and outs of your managerial role, it's time to craft a strategic plan to elevate your team to new heights. Develop a coaching strategy, uncover what drives each team member, and integrate them into your long-term vision for success.
In conclusion, transitioning into a leadership role can be both exciting and challenging. Remember to trust your team, be present, and avoid making drastic changes immediately. Set a positive tone, dedicate time to coaching and strategic planning, and lead by example. By following these steps, you can create a team of star performers and elevate your leadership skills. If you're looking for further guidance on learning and development challenges, don't hesitate to schedule a discovery call with us at Excel Communications. Let's work together to achieve your vision of success and growth. Thank you for reading and we look forward to assisting you on your leadership journey.
Many thanks,
Alex & The Excel Team
P.S. If you would like to discuss any of your other learning & development challenges, book in your discovery call.
About Excel Communications
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