6 Ways to Lay a Solid Foundation for Every New Manager 

Management is about getting results from available resources – especially the team – you manage. A manager’s tasks are not just delegating or assigning projects but setting an example and following work culture and core values.

In the past, people used to become managers via promotion, but today the landscape has changed. New managers often feel overwhelmed with their responsibilities, which include employee workloads, careers, and workplace welfare. New and aspiring managers need help in adjusting to this role.

So here are six ways to lay a solid foundation for new managers

1. Set up a mentoring program

New managers, team leaders and staff supervisors strive to drive motivation in their teams. So they need to spark interest in the early phase of their tenure, and it is unwise if first-time managers are thrown into the deep end without a transitional period. 

It is best to allow aspiring managers to observe and encourage them to ask questions openly. Senior managers can coach them, or they can attend a new manager training course to accelerate their understanding to provide a solid base for organizing their actions.

Mentorship can also mean the difference between bad-performing managers and those who lead the team with self-confidence. This is because any team needs to trust in the ability of their manager to lead them.

2. Cultivate self-awareness

Managers need self-awareness, which differentiates them from workplace peers. Emotional intelligence requires self-analysis to identify vulnerabilities and strengths and helps aspiring managers improve their weak areas and bring their best. Emotionally intelligent leaders can empathize and communicate effectively with everyone. They can even handle conflicts smoothly. 

3. Boost soft skills development

Managers must develop soft skills, including time management, conflict resolution, assertiveness and relationship building.

Even when people become seasoned managers, they should be monitored and regularly assessed to improve their management competence. But beware: although soft skills enhance management performance, their development is a lengthy process and requires regular practice. 

4. Develop strong communication skills

 A manager must tackle complicated business challenges and ensure the team has the tools and information to succeed. They need to communicate well so that everyone is on the same page. All this is best achieved through training, which will prepare you for your new role before you’ve had the chance to make too many mistakes.

5. Strengthen decision-making skills

For managers, sound decision-making is necessary. Online management courses help to learn about the crucial building blocks for effective decision-making. These include:

• Constructive Conflict – This involves engaging the entire team in the decision-making process for debate and diverse perceptions, which promotes problem-solving and creativity.
• Consideration – Ensure that team members feel that their viewpoint was considered and addressed fairly before implementing a solution, or they will be less committed.
• Closure – It ensures that everyone in the team is in alignment before the project starts. 

6. Structure responsibilities

Managers have responsibilities in three areas – to management, to themselves, and to their team. This is something that is rarely organized, but adopting this three-way structure enables a much clearer view when problems are coming in from all directions.

Any new manager has a real job adjusting to their new role. If this is left to happen “on the job,” there is a real risk that performance will suffer and bad habits will develop. That’s why training courses are a valuable but under-used resource in making the transition as smooth and successful as possible.