To ask for your top tips for being a manger?

[Bixs]

I am about to start my first ever managerial position. It will be managing a team of 12 and I have previously worked along side most of them in the same team. I have the experience and the training and I’m confident I can do it but I’m just looking for any tips or advice from people around being a manager for the first time.

I’m excited but also nervous!

Oh one more:

• be clear. Read that email again, take notes of what you need to say during meetings not to forget the details. Sometimes when I think I gave all the information, it turns out I didn't say when the deadline was or how that target was calculated. Don't take anything for granted.

It's very very much like parenting.

Ooh, I've seen that attitude create some seriously toxic workplaces.

20% of your staff will take up 80% of your time
Practice your poker face
Back them when they are right, they will take feedback much better if they see if going the other way
Notice if they are having a bad day/not themselves - don’t make a big deal of it, just show you are there
Make sure the middle players are recognised. It is easy to focus on the poor performers and outstanding performers. A lot of middle players are the ones you rely on most
Be firm but fair. Don’t favour people or be a pushover. Better to be respected than liked
Use your discretion if you are allowed. It goes a long way going slightly outside of policy if needed
Appreciate them. I always do Christmas gifts for my team and make sure some of it is home made - goes down really well
Smile and be approachable. Your door is always open.
Be prepared to be disliked. My hard workers love being managed by me. My poor workers don’t.
Don’t address anything with them without facts/proof/evidence and make notes of conversations and keep emails. You might think you can unofficially address a performance issue but if it escalates you need to show what you have done.

Oh and if one of your team has a good idea encourage them to progress it as a development opportunity. A lot of my team are not interested in that but a lot are and appreciate the chance to do something different and that shows their initiative

This blog often has helpful posts

www.askamanager.org/