Leadership Tips for First-Time Managers: 6 Changes New Leaders Must Make to Win
Transitioning into a leadership position for the first time isn't just a difference of responsibility — it's a fundamental shift of identity.
To be victorious, first-time managers must transition from getting the work done themselves to delegating the job and getting it done through other people. It requires a new level of self-awareness, a diverse range of skills, and a unique outlook that redefines success.
If you're a new manager, your meaning of success must now incorporate the success of others. Rather than focusing on your performance, it becomes necessary you consider questions such as:
How does the group or team achieve its work?
Are they relevant as individuals?
Do they cooperate?
Are team members engaged and immersed?
How are individual inspirations and needs connected to the work and the company?
You may find it counterintuitive that the "dialogue" you've had in your head and relied upon until now — "my skills, talents, and technical proficiency have directed my success" — is no longer your access to success as a new leader. Gripping to that same story will make you less impactful and effective as a new leader.
Discover how to lead effectively by following these six leadership tips for first-time managers.
How to Become An Effective Leader: Make These 6 Shifts
As an emerging leader, you want to become an effective leader. Therefore, to succeed in your new position, alter the way you think and engage in these six critical areas:
Ethos: You're leading others now, not just yourself, so gather resources on how to achieve such success.
Relationships: You'll want to transition from "friend" to the role of "leader" when in the workplace.
Attitude: Learn to delegate the tasks—not attempting to do it all anymore.
Perspective: You'll want to be sure you see the broader picture.
Focus: You'll want to focus on what's appropriate, not what's comfortable or self-indulgent.
Skillset: aspire to develop new skills to manage your team effectively.
It is now time to become a more versatile leader. As the manager of others, learn new ways of achieving results because success isn't about your contribution anymore. Therefore, the goal is to seize each direct report's best to meet the group's objectives. In this new capacity, versatility may be your best asset.
In all, being a versatile leader means that you determine the range of responses to achieve results. Versatility challenges you to open your eyes to your preferences and behaviors, read others accurately, and learn various tactics to deal with the most common challenges first and front line managers face.