How to Survive in Your New Job as Manager

Getting promoted into a management position is exciting. However, as one of the leading staffing agencies in Dade County, Future Force also knows there are many challenges that come with the new responsibility. How can you make the transition from peer to boss as seamlessly as possible? Here are some tips to help you get started:

Meet individually with your team members.

As a new manager, one of your first tasks should be to set up one-on-one meetings with your team members. Although you may have a clear vision for your team, aim to listen and learn during these meetings. You may come across valuable insight or information from your staff that you didn’t previously know. You can also get a better handle on the roles and responsibilities each person has and give them a chance to voice any questions or concerns they may have. Once you’ve met with everyone, then you can start defining and communicating your expectations to each employee.

Respect your new boundaries.

Before you were a co-worker and possibly even a friend to your team members. Now, however, you’re the boss. So how do you approach this potentially sensitive situation? Keep in mind that it’s not your job to be best friends with those whom you supervise; however, you still need to develop strong and positive relationships with them. That may mean going to lunch regularly with your employees, but skipping the happy hours you used to frequent. These are no hard and fast rules in regard to this; but it’s also up to you to set the right tone for your team.

Play fair, not favorites.

There may be people on your team that you like better than others. Some employees are easy to work with, reliable and never miss a deadline, while others grumble and complain every step of the way. However, as the boss, it’s up to you to treat everyone fairly. Don’t have one set of rules for some employees, and another set for the rest. When you treat everyone fairly, you’ll garner more respect from your team.

Stick to the rules.

It can be hard to enforce a rule when the person who broke it is someone you really like and respect. However, you need to be both firm and consistent with the policies you’ve set. Otherwise, that person is going to think it’s ok to regularly break the rules.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

If you have a question or are feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. Look for an experienced manager or expert inside the company or outside who can offer you the guidance and support you need. Don’t think that asking for help is a sign of weakness; it’s a sign you want to reach your potential as an effective manger.

If one of the areas you need help with is hiring for your team, please call the experts at Future Force. As one of the leading staffing agencies in Dade County, we’ve helped thousands of clients find qualified and reliable talent on a short-term, seasonal, and full-time basis. And we can help you too! Contact Future Force today to learn more.