The moment you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived. Your boss has recognized your potential and entrusted you with a management role. So, after the initial celebration, it’s natural to wonder, “What now? How do I prepare for this responsibility? What do I need as a first-time manager?” Well, it’s your lucky day because I’ve been in your shoes. I, too, was a first-time manager with no previous experience in managing a team. So, in this blog post, I’ll share all my knowledge and practical tips to help you prepare for your new role and excel as a manager.

Your starting point: education.

Good leaders are made, not born. So, you must know that being a first-time manager is a learning experience. You may not have all the answers right away, and that’s okay. All you have to do is be open to learning from your experiences, successes, and even failures. Seek feedback and advice from other leaders, colleagues, and your team. And the most important thing is not to hesitate to ask for help when needed. Embracing your new role as a learning journey will help you constantly improve and adapt to new challenges.

But above all, embrace this new opportunity with enthusiasm and a growth mindset. 

Are you getting excited? Keep reading because I’m about to reveal the steps to prepare for your new management journey.

Step #1. Seek guidance.

Entering a first-time manager position can be as challenging as navigating unknown waters, so just like a sailor needs a map, you need the proper guidance for your new role. Seek guidance from experienced managers or mentors who have walked the path before you. They can offer invaluable advice and support as you navigate your new role. 

You should also look for helpful resources with practical tools to guide you through this new journey. For example, our New Manager Accelerator program helps you develop the confidence and skills you need to become an impactful, respected leader.

Step #2. Develop your Skills.

As a first-time manager, your motto should be: “There’s always room to learn something new”; that’s why you should constantly learn new industry trends, best practices, and management techniques. In addition, always make room in your schedule to attend workshops, seminars, and training programs to expand your knowledge and seek opportunities to expand your skill sets. By investing in your development, you’ll stay ahead of the curve and be better equipped to tackle any challenges that may come your way. 

One of the best place to start is by watching my free training where I walk you through the 5 pillars of my Elevate Team Performance Framework — the roadmap for becoming an effective leader who builds high performing teams. Click here to sign up and watch it on demand for free!

Step #3. Build your communication skills:

One of the things you should keep in mind is that as a leader, you must have the ability to communicate clearly and not assume people think the same way you do. As a new leader, you should practice active listening with clarity and empathy. Try to communicate expectations, goals, and objectives to your team, and always be transparent about decisions and updates on progress of projects. 

Like I always say, communication is a two-way street; therefore, you must encourage a comfortable environment where everyone in your team feels they’re allowed to share their thoughts and opinions.

If you need more information in this area, check out this previous video, where I talk about the 4 pillars of communication that you can use to instantly improve your communication skills with the team.

Step #4. Promote a positive work environment.

As a first-time manager, you can shape your team’s work culture. Your goal should be to create a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and motivated. A couple of ideas to promote a positive work environment include encouraging teamwork, celebrating achievements, planning team-building activities, and recognizing each person’s contributions through positive feedback. 

The aim is for your team to see you as a leader by promoting a team culture where everyone feels comfortable having you as their manager.

Step #5. Build strong relationships:

As a new manager, your success lies on the strength of your relationships. So take the time to get to know your team members individually. Set interviews to get to know the person and expectations, and set goals for each. Communication is vital to your new role, so keep it open and honest.

Another way to foster your relationship with your new team is to promote an environment of trust and mutual respect. So, be approachable and listen actively to their ideas and concerns. When you focus on building strong relationships, you’ll create a supportive and collaborative team dynamic that will lead you to success.

It all sounds good, but how do I start?

I got you covered. As a Leadership Coach for first-time managers, I know the constant struggles and doubts you’re having now. That’s why I developed a complete coaching program with a practical approach to guide you through this new process. Within the New Manager Accelerator you can receive personalized support, feedback, and accountability from someone who’s been in your shoes and understands what you need to succeed. To learn more about the program and whether it could be a fit for you, click here.

Let me know in the comments which step gets you the most excited to get started, and don’t forget to share it with someone if this is helpful.