Be a good manager with no practice

Congratulations! You’ve been promoted to a management position. What now?

Lyndy van den Barselaar, the MD of recruitment company ManpowerGroup, says new managers can feel overwhelmed.

“It can be very difficult to know where to start, and it is advisable that someone who is moving into a management role is groomed to take on the responsibilities rather than being forced into the role without the necessary training and skills.” She has the following advice:

Ensure you know what is required of you. You need to be “clear on how success is measured . . . what your objectives are, and the expected outcomes”;

Understand the difference between management and leadership. Leaders inspire, managers control. “You should build on the strengths of your team members” and help weaker employees improve. Staff “should feel supported and valued, and should be comfortable coming to you with questions and concerns”;

Indifference makes for a poor leader. “Recognising each employee’s individuality is important”; and

Good managers find a way to be part of the team but separate from it. This can be tricky, but the support of a role model can help you get there. – Margaret Harris