It’s not easy being a first-time manager. For many it can be challenging. People usually become first-time as a result of promotion or because they always wanted to lead people and hence, worked towards making it happen. In either case, having no prior experience makes it a daunting task to get started and excel in the leadership role. While leadership training programs for managers help, if one understands the challenges and plans to deal with them, one can easily handle the new role. Here are the top five challenges that every first-time manager faces:
- How to display authority without prior experience in leadership role:
One of the biggest challenges a first-time manager faces is performing the new role without prior experience in executing it. One may have been an excellent individual contributor, but becoming a leader is an entirely different ballgame. Now, they are not only responsible for their growth but also everyone reporting to them. Displaying authority becomes even more challenging if one has worked in the same team as colleagues, before moving to management. The team might have trouble accepting the person as the leader. The formality of one’s power may be hard to absorb for many. However, authority is much needed as without it, one cannot influence the direction of the team and manage the deliveries. At the same time, authority is not something that can be demanded. One needs to earn it gradually by establishing influence without alienating the team.
- How to build trust with the team:
As a first-time manager, it will be hard to build trust in the initial days of the job. As there is no prior evidence of one’s achievements or leadership abilities, it is understandable when the team and stakeholders don’t show their trust outright. Trust is highly essential to lead a team and have fruitful partnerships with stakeholders. Without trust, the team will not be comfortable following the leader’s directives. Team members will frequently question the decisions and approach. However, trust is not something that gets built overnight. It takes time and effort to enable the team members to have confidence in someone. For that, the leader needs to show that they are worthy of the team’s trust and support it through their words and behaviour.
- How to lead a diverse team:
Owing to the multitude of team members, often there are different individual priorities and interests in a team. Some members are more ambitious and goal-oriented, while others desire a better work-life balance. At the same time, people’s priorities and interests can change with time. Within all this, the team needs to work towards a common goal that aligns with the company’s vision. Irrespective of individual preferences, they need to come together to build a strong team. Any friction among individuals due to conflicting ambitions can adversely impact the team’s performance. Hence, the leader must assess the dynamics regularly and adjust his/her leadership approach. The more diverse your team is, the more challenging it will become to accommodate everyone’s aspirations and make them work as a cohesive unit.
- How to manage stakeholders and higher management:
As an individual contributor, you’re shielded from the complexities of managing higher management, internal stakeholders, and the politics that come with them. Your manager bears the burden of handling these aspects for the team. However, stepping into a leadership role requires mastering the art of shielding your team from these hassles. Even if you excel at leading a team, managing upwards presents its own set of challenges. The future of you and your team hinges on your ability to manage your superiors effectively. It falls on your shoulders to showcase the team’s accomplishments, secure funding for crucial projects, advocate for deserving raises and promotions, and more. Navigating the intricate power dynamics of senior leadership can prove daunting, especially when you’re still acclimating to the corporate landscape. Seasoned managers hold a distinct advantage in influencing higher-ups, leaving newcomers feeling powerless.
- How to develop leadership skills while being personally effective:
As a first-time manager, your journey involves a myriad of learning curves and revelations. Navigating this terrain means embracing the challenges of adapting to a fresh role, comprehending new responsibilities, nurturing your team, orchestrating relationships with leaders and stakeholders, and assimilating into a corporate culture distinct from your prior experience as an individual contributor. Amidst this whirlwind, you’re also tasked with cultivating your professional trajectory and honing a diverse skill set to foster personal growth. Balancing these multifaceted demands can strain your time management skills, leaving you stretched thin amidst competing priorities. The inevitable push beyond your comfort zone, particularly in the initial months, can feel overwhelming. There may be moments when you believe you need more time to address each obligation adequately despite your earnest efforts. However, recognize that grappling with the complexities of managing teams, executing individual tasks, and advancing your career is a natural facet of the first-time manager experience.
Embarking on the journey as a first-time manager is undoubtedly challenging. While the prospect of stepping into a managerial role may initially appear straightforward, the reality demands a steadfast commitment, unwavering focus, and an indomitable spirit. First time manager training programs help the new managers gain ground on the skills needed.
This blog has been written by Amol Dhamne, a consultant and facilitator with Growthsqapes