matthelm's picture Submitted by matthelm on
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Management and Leadership

Hi Everyone,

Without repeating what we already know from the casts, do any of you have any sage pieces of advice for a new manager, “dos & don’ts” or things to look out for from your own experiences?
 
I have a golden opportunity to start managing well. I’m hoping some of you might have some advice to help me capitalise on it (and make sure I don’t mess it up).
 
In January I will take over a department of 20 people as a ‘job swap’ with their current manager. I’m not in a management role at present. The department has 3 teams, each with a supervisor. The supervisors will be my direct reports. It’s a great department with many enthusiastic people who want to do their best for the business. It has a few problems to iron out but nothing drastic.
 
As far as I can see this is a terrific opportunity to introduce a fantastic (MT) style of management. 3 direct reports is an ideal number, I can give a good amount of time to each of them. The department is central to the company's operations so I'm really hoping I can make a big difference to the whole organisation this way.
 
The organisation has announced the job swap. I have a 3 month handover with the existing manager (who I get on well with) before I start in January.
 
I’ve been a listener to MT since 2007, although I’ve lapsed a bit in the last 12 months. I’ve listened to the ‘Rolling out the Trinity’ casts and will be reviewing all the basics over the next 3 months.
 
I have an enormous respect for the massed knowledge in these forums, so I’m hoping to take advantage of it.
 
Thanks in advance,
 
Matt

TomW's picture
Training Badge
Submitted by TomW on Wednesday September 28th, 2011 8:19 am

For new roles, I'nm a huge fan of Michael Watkins First 90 Days. In the first 90 days, to put it very simply, you need to figure out the current situation, find out what needs to be done (not do it all, just figure it out), get a few wins, and make as many new relationships as possible.

matthelm's picture
Submitted by matthelm on Wednesday September 28th, 2011 8:46 am

Thanks Tom, that's a great suggestion. I have that book on my shelf so I'll make sure I re-read it before I start.

Matt

Jrlz's picture
Submitted by Jrlz on Wednesday September 28th, 2011 11:21 am

First, congradulations on the new role.   Here are some ideas I have picked up along the way, admittedly I think that are all Mark's advice I have used.

  1. Don't barricade yourself in the office.  Be out with your people, develope those relationships early and often.
  2. Dont' make any changes for the first 90-days.  Learn the systems, culture, etc... and then look for what needs to be changed (just like the comment from MATTHELM).  Too many managers come in an turn everything upside down before getting a idea of the current state.
  3. Start rolling out the Management Trinity, sounds like you are already doing that.  One on Ones will help to build those relationships.
  4. Lastly, don't be too hard on yourself.  You will make mistakes.  Your people will understand mistakes as long as you are transparent, humble and are always trying to do what is right.    
  5. Lastly, be a leader, not just a manager.   People will walk through walls for a leader they connect with.  The same can not be said for mere managers.

Good Luck,