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Stepping into the role of a manager from being an individual contributor is a significant shift, one that requires not only overseeing your workload but also ensuring the success of your entire team. The transition can be daunting, but fear not – here's your comprehensive guide to navigating your new managerial journey.

1) LISTEN:

As a new manager, the instinct to make immediate changes may be strong, but the true impact lies in listening first. Think of it as conducting a survey with your team. Take the time to meet with team members individually or collectively, understanding their concerns, perspectives, areas for improvement, and what they enjoy. This isn't the time to provide solutions; it's the time for your team to air their thoughts. By listening, you show a genuine interest in their feedback, creating a foundation of trust. This feedback becomes your roadmap for improvements that will be genuinely appreciated by your team.

2) GOALS:

Goals provide direction, and as a manager, you'll want to align yours with both your team and organizational objectives. Based on feedback, identify quick tasks and those requiring more time and resources. These become your goals. Understand your company's goals and mission statement, shaping yours in reflection. Share these goals with your team, incorporating their daily responsibilities. Ensure goals are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and review them monthly to stay on track.

3) THE TEAM:

Building trust starts with building relationships. Get to know your team, remembering that people trust those they know. Establish a simple, regular cadence of one-on-one meetings with your team members. Listen to their concerns, discuss and assess their goals. Before diving into your topics, identify areas where they may need support or assistance. The meeting cadence is flexible, catering to individual preferences and needs.

4) HOUSEKEEPING:

Administration is part of the role, and getting ahead of it is key. Use the insights gained from listening to your team's concerns, mapping out goals, and one-on-one meetings to understand strengths, weaknesses, roles, responsibilities, and salary sentiments. This feedback becomes instrumental in working on job descriptions, salary analysis, and performance reviews. Regular updates are crucial to staying current.

5) REPETITION:

These guidelines are not a one-time checklist; they're an ongoing process. Regularly listen to your team's concerns and feedback, showing a constant commitment to improvement. Review goals monthly, creating new ones when the initial set is completed or at the beginning of each fiscal year. Adjust the cadence of one-on-one meetings as needed, ensuring flexibility. Keep housekeeping tasks updated by revisiting feedback and goals.

Embrace these steps as part of your managerial routine, and you'll find clarity and confidence in navigating your new role. Your journey as a manager is a continuous evolution, and with this roadmap, you're well-equipped to steer towards success.

THE MANAGER TOOLKIT