Promotion to a supervisory or management position for the first time represents a huge moment in any career. There’s an increased salary, more responsibility and hopefully the first of many steps up the ladder – if that’s what you want.

Being the boss also presents many challenges. As well as an increased and demanding workload, there’s conflict, workplace politics and potentially overseeing people who you used to work alongside.

Now, the situation is further complicated by managing remotely due to Covid-19.

The following pointers will hopefully help anyone who is leading a group of colleagues for the first time.

Avoid Power Trips

Management, regardless of how high up you are in the organisation, is about so much more than handing out orders to those who report to you. So, don’t let any added responsibility go to your head – you’ll quickly alienate your team and create a negative atmosphere.

Get to Know Your Team

It’s difficult to manage staff when you don’t know what makes them tick. That doesn’t mean interrogating anyone, it’s more about showing an interest. Finding out what an employee’s hope, dreams and personal circumstances are will make it easier to motivate them and get the best from them.

Be Approachable

“My door is always open.” So many managers say it, but how many mean it? Anyone reporting to you needs to feel comfortable approaching you, for work issues or more personal matters. Encouraging an open-door policy builds trust and respect.

Be Assertive

Too many people equate assertiveness with raising their voice and being forceful, behaviours which are aggressive. Instead, an assertive manager can stand up for themselves, and put their point across, while remaining calm and composed. They do this while recognising the thoughts and feelings of others.  

Communicate Effectively

A manager must ensure staff know what’s expected of them and keep them up to date with any information that’s relevant to their role. But it’s a two-way street, so a good leader will also try to listen, and act upon, the thoughts and opinions of those who report to them. Deciding on the correct method of communication is also vital.

Make Decisions

One of the biggest changes many new managers notice is the amount of decisions they have to make on a daily basis – particularly those that impact on others. Sometimes they are routine, while others have a bigger impact on a team or department. Trust your judgment and you’ll be fine.

Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help

Despite what said above, that doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone. If you genuinely don’t know the answer to a question or how to deal with an unusual situation, look to experienced colleagues for advice. Saying “I don’t know” isn’t a sign of weakness, it shows that you are self-assured enough to realise that nobody knows everything.

Lead by Example

When you’re in a management post, the way you conduct yourself will influence the way others behave. If you want a team that’s positive, hard working and able to deal with challenges or setbacks, you have to be all of those things. That doesn’t mean pretending that everything is always wonderful – it’s about having the right attitude.