Developing first-time managers to be successful

Moving from being an individual contributor where you are responsible for your own output to a first-time manager where you do your work and lead people is an exciting yet daunting task. Research studies indicate that 56% of new managers underperform!

About 60% of new managers report that they received no transformational training or new skill development to move from individual contributors to managers responsible for guiding a team; hence, they were not ready for the role. A significant factor contributing to this is the lack of adequate first-time manager training

Some of the common challenges faced by first-time managers are:

• Leading former peers is seen as the most difficult challenge. Keeping friendships & past relationships often takes precedence over being superior, which often leads to the new manager being overloaded due to his/her inability to influence old colleagues.
• Balancing own work & leading others is a tight rope walk.New managers have to upskill in time and prioritize setting and adopting practices of self-preservation to avoid burnout through stress. Being skilled in developing & harnessing good interpersonal skills is an asset.
• Having been led & directed by their leaders, new managers now need to build teams, provide direction, review, etc. Unless trained & developed to handle this, new managers fall into the trap of over-leading or under-leading, both of which result in ineffective results.
• Navigating the various stakeholders, speaking up for juniors, and being able to put his/her own point across assertively & clearly. New managers typically do not have the political savviness, personal presence, and visibility to be able to cross these bridges smoothly.
• Handling interpersonal conflicts within local and virtual teamscan be challenging. As an individual contributor, it’s common to avoid getting involved in the interpersonal emotional dramas in the workplace. However, when promoted to a managerial position, it becomes crucial to acknowledge and address these conflicts. Unfortunately, fears of offending others, facing backlash, and becoming unpopular can make it difficult to navigate these situations. These emotional insecurities can lead to high-stress levels and ultimately impact team productivity.

This list can go on, but these are some real and difficult situations for new managers and here’s what they can do:

For the new manager

1. Be aware that many new managers face similar challenges and you are not the only one. Try to reach out to other new managers and form a peer learning group
2. Being a leader is a way of life where attitudes, skills & knowledge are continuously playing a balancing game. It takes time to flower into an inspirational, compassionate leader. Begin by showing compassion & love for yourself remembering, “I cannot give to others what I don’t give to myself.”

For the organisation 

Do not set up your new managers for failure. Prepare them to succeed by:

1. Shifting their focus from doing to managing
2. Coaching them on how to set goals and communicate effectively
3. Instilling the need to be an inclusion champion
4. Guide them to the fact that building relationships is a priority to achieve results
5. Show them the magic of listening beyond words

Organisation can also play a crucial role by providing comprehensive first-time manager training programs that equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in their roles.

Investing in first-time manager training is not just beneficial for individual managers but also for organizations striving to build high-performing teams and foster a culture of continuous growth and development.

At Tatvã Leadership, we specialize in designing and delivering first-time manager training programs that empower new managers to unlock their leadership potential and drive impactful change within their teams

Our tailored approach focuses on cultivating leadership attitudes and developing essential skills to help new managers discover their Tatvã and unfold magic.

Click here to learn more about first-time manager training programme