Tips for a first-time manager

[msc6199]

Hi All!

I'm over the moon to have landed a promotion at work. It will include line-managing 4 members of staff. It is a relatively small team, and this position has been created due to increase in workload and therefore to assist the current manager of the department.

I wondered if anybody had any hints, tips, advice, 'must do's' or 'MUSN'T DO's' for a first time manager? I start this role in a couple of months time, so plenty of time to prepare myself.

The role is public sector with hybrid working arrangements if that helps. (Of course, all is WFH at the moment!)

Thank you so much in advance x

Great thread!

My golden rule of management is support your staff. Staff who are happy at work will work hard for you.

Ha. Totally can't bear waffling BS. I remember getting a 4 paragraph reply once to a yes or no question 🤯. My job involves a specific part of the law and I can't know it all (and am not afraid to say I don't know, which some people certainly are 😂) , but always say let me look into that and I'll come back to you.

You sound like you're going to be a great manager.

My manager is unprofessional in so many ways and then complains when he feels I have disrespected him. It is exhausting.
Two years ago he said things in our ( small ) team would change, and two years later still no actual action. So I would say if you promise change then follow it through or people will lose trust in you.
Also be sure to praise them when things go well. I have worked my arse off this year to keep our small team running ( others off with sickness, childcare issues etc during lockdown). I have gone above and beyond what I needed to only to receive no thanks, nothing. I shan't be making the same mistake next year. Even little things like a Christmas card saying thanks for your hard work all year or a compliment when things have gone well mean a lot.