How to be a good manager?

[QforCucumber]

Maybe not an issue as such and more advice I guess,
I've recently started a new role, in a position I am well versed in but an industry which I am not.

At interview and offer stage the bosses were impressed with my skills and experience. The role was advertised as managerial and as I don't have management experience they offered me it as a senior position with a view to working towards and taking the managerial position within a 2 year period.

This is great, it's an industry I want to be in and a role I know well but, I'm struggling with how to get past being a junior myself and just getting on and doing all of the work and making that step up towards seniority/managerial.

I think a people management or similar course may help me, but I'm looking for ideas from those who have good managers (I've never really had a great one in the past so at least know how not to be) and also ideas on how to make that transition from junior to senior roles as I don't seem to know how to differentiate?

Treat people as you would want to be treated. Communicate, be honest, have high standards, tackle issues but think hard about how before doing so. Be professional. It will feel weirder to you than those you manage. Access information from other parts of your company and build good relationships with them. Enjoy it.

Remember that every person is different and have their own strengths and weaknesses. Try to let them play to their strengths as far as the job allows.

Be human. Remember they are human. They may make mistakes and it's ok if they learn from it. And don't micro-manage, a lot of new managers do that.

Ask for a mentor/coach if necessary. I asked for one and got a senior manager HR which was great to bounce off ideas. The best advice she gave me was that i want my team to be more successful. If that means training them and they leave for a better job (or taking my role when I move up) that is a job well done. Also to treat them individually and not necessarily in the same way depending on their needs/wants. I have spent time asking them what progress looks like for them, and different members want to focus on different parts s I give them opportunities in those areas

Communication is key once you get that nailed everything becomes easier.

Be clear in what you want your team to do.

Be approachable.

When your manager communicates something to youdont just cascade it down to your team as is. Cherry pick the points that are relevant ymto your team. Communciate those parts then broadly go over the bigger picture. Unifying purpose.

Do not forget to explain to the team WHY they are doing something. No one likes doing work when they have no idea of what the purpose is.

Do not micro-manage. You'll just end up public enemy number one.

Make sure you can do the simple stiff before you ask someone else to do it. Mainly so you can guode them through a process if needs be. But also so that you don't seem high and mighty.

Stick to the KISS principle.

Keep it simple. Silly.

When given direction just explain what needs to be done, why it needs done (unifying purpose), who is going to do it and when it need done by. Give the limitations and constraints then let them go.

Be compassiomate and empathetic .

Dont be afraid to make unpopular decisions. Always explain why though as it maintains transparency.

If a team member has a good idea let them run with it, you are still the boss so just because ot came from a team member doens't mean YOU can't manage it.

Think too about developing your team - they might not to be in that position forever. How can they be trained to move on to their next role? A good manage and leader can manage that sort of change, and make people feel valued and like they are improving in their work. Not everyone wants that - and that’s ok too - but don’t let people stagnate.

Show your team respect by leveraging their expertise and giving them credit for their contributions.

No micromanagement but not so hands off you're too far removed if you need to step in to support your reports.

Regular 1x1 meetings with each person. Give them the time of day.

I have an amazing manager at the moment.
She is:
Proactive - always identifying conferences we might like to attend
Visible - she asks us all how we are almost daily
Available - to talk to when we need it
Hands off - she'll set up forums, working groups, involve the right staff then stand back and let us do it, she doesn't micro manage at all
Trustworthy - I have told her incredibly personal stuff which has never gone any further, and I never hear her talking about others
Professional - she doesn't socialise with us, doesn't have any staff as Facebook friends and keeps work separate
She does like a work night out at xmas though or celebrating a baby etc
Supportive - professionally and personally

I adore her, I hope she never leaves, my work is so much easier

Always give individuals credit for their ideas; take opportunities to do this in public. Never forget to give thanks and praise when someone has gone the extra mile.