Your advice for a first time manager?

[Gingerteaforme]

I’m about to start line managing a junior team member for the first time. Having had some crap managers myself I want to do a good job! What advice do you have for me? We’re in a team of 12 in an office of 50 or so, third sector. Thanks in advance!

Well, from my own experience of being managed, here are some ideas:

Be consistent and clear when giving information and instructions - don’t tell your direct report one thing, and then tell them something opposite at a later date.

Be fair about treating all team members the same - people notice when their manager treats them differently/worse than other direct reports, and this will not go down well.

Give regular feedback, especially to a new employee. Be encouraging and supportive, tell them if they’re doing something well. Also be specific about any areas they need to improve on.

Agree with PP.
Also, there is a book called 'Managing for Dummies' available from Amazon which isn't for dummies at all and has lots of really useful hints, tips and ways forward. My copy of it sits on the shelf at work and new managers often borrow it :)

Don't expect to be your teams friend.

Do pick your confidantes and lieutenants wisely.

Always be open to new ideas.

Don't try and be their friend.
Be fair and consistent.
Don't micro manage. Trust them to do their job and accept that they might do it slightly differently than you would and that doesn't make it worse.
Be clear in your expectations and judge them on what they deliver.
Flexibility is a two way street.

Build rapport with your direct report and give them your support.

Don't micromanage. Give them work to do and indicate you trust them to get the job done in the time required, and if they need help, you are there for them.

Let them know that you won't shoot the messenger if they run into problems along the way, which encourages them to be honest and upfront rather than hiding problems from you.

Gain a strong command of employment law and your company's policies and procedures, so you treat the person fairly, with respect and according to those guidelines.

That's interesting that we cross posted about not micromanaging, 2cats. We must be onto something there

I can't stand the feeling of being micromanaged, it's so humiliating and demeaning and massively erodes confidence in one's own ability. And the trouble is managers like that always claim it's because they can't trust the person to do their job.

In fact, it's because you're a control freak with low self-esteem

Thank you everyone! I have got the message about micromanaging loud and clear

Some great comments - I echo the micro-managing. Allied to that, judge by results and output, not the time someone spends in the office (within reason).

Be kind. Be consistent with application of the rules.
Your work peer group changes as well once you become a manager.