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Lost in my new role
I just got promoted into management, and I am literally lost. There is so much I don't understand - from managing people for the first time, to processes, to systems, to the culture of the management team. I've asked my boss for help, but he told me we have a trial by fire mentality, and to roll up my sleeves and try things and I will figure it out.
Ummmmm.....What?????
I don't even know what to role up my sleeves on. I'm the only woman on the management team and I've asked other managers for help, and no one seems to want to help me.
Is your first start in management always like this? How did you other new managers find your way?
Anonymous
05/20/19 at 8:24PM UTC
Your experience sounds exactly like what happened to me when I was promoted into management. Besides managing people for the first time, I had to hire my replacement which meant I was doing my old job and my new one at the same time. And in order to hire someone, I had to figure out how to post a job req (not easy), interview people, negotiate salaries, etc. I had no clue!
What worked for me was having someone to talk to. The guy who sat next to me had been a manager for several years. We were friends before my promotion and after it, he was incredibly supportive. I asked him technical questions about HR systems, management questions ("what would you do if...?"), and everything in between. That was a godsend. I know you said you asked a few people for help and didn't get a great response...I'd continue asking until you find someone who is willing to be a resource for you.
Beyond that, I agree with the above advice about meeting individually with your team. I did that and it really helped. I had a list of questions for them about how they worked best, what type of communication they preferred, etc. They all seemed to really appreciate that I asked questions about how I could best support them.
Blake
146
05/20/19 at 2:22PM UTC
I'd first try get to know the team that reports to you. Try scheduling time with each one to get to know them and what they do. As for management culture, just observe for awhile. You are a new member and it could change. Processes take time, and meeting with you staff will actually help with this. And also get organized, and relax. It will all come together in time. Congrats!
Anonymous
05/18/19 at 6:38PM UTC
I would say, first think about how your manager just managed you, and how you feel about that. Trial by fire might work if you have enough resources that you can have a lot of failures and survive a lot of bewildered and unhappy reports. It is only efficient from the point of view that their time is expensive and your time is free. I definitely agree with the suggestions to join an association and finding a mentor.
Explorer709996I run a small health clinic.
158
05/18/19 at 3:46PM UTC
First, seek a mentor who has at least 5 years of management experience. NOT your boss. You may best find one after the next step.
Second, join an association for managers in your profession and do their networking events. They should also have career advancement teachings available for free or with a nominal fee.
Third, read management books. I highly recommend The World's Most Powerful Leadership Principle by Hunter
Finally, write down any lingo that you don't understand and search the internet.
Francesca Vanderwall
610
05/18/19 at 3:41PM UTC
On behalf of your team, THANK YOU for recognizing you’re overwhelmed and underprepared. Continue to be upfront about wanting to learn and improve. It will help people want to rally around you.
There was a lot of good advice already shared. One thing I didn’t see was observation and asking questions. Figuring out people and culture involves lots of listening and little talking. If you stack this with the “sleeves up “ things, you’ll be well positioned for current and future success.
Keep us posted!
Nicole Podcaster. Speaker. Tech Leader.
309
05/17/19 at 1:12PM UTC
First, don't panic
Second, you don't know what you don't know
Third, breathe :)
You being new to the role should be leveraged to your advantage. This means that you are expected to learn. I'd start with getting a copy of the org chart, and understanding how the business / team is structured. Set up meetings with the leaders of each function / group and understand what their top 3 - 5 goals are, how they achieve them, how they work with your team, and get an overview of what key projects / initiatives are priority.
Next, set up bi-weekly meetings with your manager. Understand his / her top 5 goals and make them yours! Your goal as a leader is to help your boss achieve their priorities more efficiently and effectively.
Then, set up regular meetings with your direct reports - both collectively and individual check ins. During these sessions, you'll get to understand their roles, their projects, their opportunities and celebrating their wins, while ensuring that you operationalize your boss' priorities in alignment with their work.
Until you have the goals of the team clear, have them take personality / strength assessments to learn how they operate and what their WHY's are.
Once you understand everyone's WHY, including your own, the what, when, where and who fall right into place.
Nirupama RaghavanDigital Strategy Consultant & Retail Expert
382
05/17/19 at 2:52PM UTC
Lots of great advice from others. I would just add to what Niki76 said, do you have customers--either internal or external? Who are your most important customers? If you can meet key customers, get their feedback. Find reports to read that help you understand the customers.
Same as above for suppliers or providers of input to your team.
Create a list of meetings you need to attend and make sure you get there early to socialize with other managers. And take notes. (Sounds obvious but sometimes people don't do it.)
You got this!
Niniane20+ years in federal contracting
341
05/16/19 at 5:15PM UTC
Are there managers at your company you admire? Why do you admire them? Do they run meetings well, always have clear communications, set achievable expectations?
Pick one, start working on it. Yes, there are videos and training. You can also shadow excellent managers to learn from them. Asking someone to help you be a better manager is vague. Asking someone to help you review a meeting agenda to make better use of everyone's time is a bounded task, and makes it easier for a manager to agree to help.
Anonymous
05/16/19 at 3:55PM UTC
I had a similar situation where my boss left and I was left to manage new hires, without being told I would be a manager and without receiving any guidance or training. There are definitely books and videos that helped me to improve on my management skills, but the one way I learned the most was by talking to the people I was managing, being open and honest with them and working together to figure it out!
Carrie TopolskiEmpowering women and beyond!
2.34k
05/16/19 at 11:47AM UTC
Check out tips online. Or maybe sign up for some management classes. I took some business administration classes that really focus on being a manager and a team player. I would also suggest checking out some of the Ted Talks videos. There is a slew of them out there and they're really good. https://blog.prialto.com/top-5-ted-talks-for-developing-leadership-skills-and-management-skills
ArielCapers
651
05/16/19 at 10:56AM UTC
Try to learn everything you can about being a manager. Tool guides and go-to manager books are very helpful.
Also listening to your team’s needs is important. Find ways to help them be the best they can be. Empower them when you can. Keep us posted on how it goes!
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