The Big Shift
Shifting to a Management Mindset
When you're promoted to management, it's crucial to understand that your mindset, values, and actions must undergo a significant shift. Your primary focus is no longer solely on achieving personal success but on enabling the success of others. This transition requires new skills, different routines, and new ways of allocating your time.
Key Actions to Embrace:
Avoid Being a Bottleneck
As a manager, one of your biggest responsibilities is to enable your team to take action. To do this, prioritize responding to their requests in a timely manner – don’t be a black hole. Set a daily routine where you sort your emails or messages by name and address your team members' queries first, especially if they are waiting on your response to move forward. This simple habit can have big impacts.
Allocate Time in New Ways
Regular communication is vital. Instead of relying on an "open door" policy, which can lead to interruptions and uncertainty, schedule regular team meetings and 1-on-1 meetings with your staff. These could be weekly, biweekly, or at least once a month. These dedicated sessions help minimize interruptions and provide your team with a sense of security, knowing they have guaranteed time with you, and vice versa.
Develop New Management Skills As You Rise Through the Ranks
A valuable resource for understanding the mindset shift required at different levels of management is The Leadership Pipeline by Ram Charan. This book offers insightful guidance on how to adapt and grow as a leader. I’ve recommended it again and again.
By embracing these changes, you can effectively transition into your new role and create an environment where your team can deliver at their best.
Reach out anytime to discuss ways to build the skills needed for successful management and leadership.