Six Useful Tips for First-Time People Managers

Transitioning into a leadership role can be a stressful time – but it doesn’t have to be.

First-time people managers often feel overwhelmed, alone, and unsure of themselves as they move from being an individual contributor to being a manager. Imposter syndrome is a real thing for many people that make this jump into a leadership role. It can be a stressful time – but it doesn’t have to be.

Here are six tips to help first-time people managers feel more empowered and equipped to lead others with confidence and ease.

1. Know your values

It is important to be clear about your core values and the values of your organization, and that both align. Our values provide us a reliable foundation for which we can use to guide our goals, priorities, and decisions. Values play a key role in grounding leaders. When you find yourself under pressure or feeling overwhelmed, you can refer back to your values to help you move forward with more confidence and less stress.

2. Get clear on your vision

In order to point you and your team in the direction of success, you need to get clear on your vision. Consistently aspiring to your vision will keep you on track and is a great tool when making decisions as a leader. By encouraging your team members get clear on their vision and aligning their goals with those of the organization, you will help them understand the big picture and the “what’s in it for me”. This is key for motivating and engaging your team members and setting you up for success as a manager.

3. Build trust

Building trust with your team is paramount for first-time people managers. Understanding the individual values and goals of each team member will help you understand what is important to them and what motivates them. In your first few weeks on the job, also take notice of the individual communication styles and strengths on your team. Seek to understand the biggest challenges your team members face and how you can support them. Successful people managers don’t shy away from talking openly about these things – there is no better way to start building trust than opening up the floor to letting people share and really listening to them.

4. Delegate well

One of the biggest challenges for new people managers is finding the right balance between micro-managing and blind trust when delegating. I don’t think anyone aspires to be a micro-manager but when you’re transitioning from the role of contributor to the role of manager, it can be difficult to know when, and how much, to let go. The good news is that if you are clear on your vision, your values, and have spent time getting to know your team and building trust, this becomes easier.

Some employees may want or need more oversight whereas others may do better with more freedom. The ability to delegate well and avoid micro-management often comes down to communicating clear expectations. Make sure your team has the information and support they need to complete the task well and on time. Be sure to let them know what success looks like so everyone is on the same page.

5. Communicate often

The most successful people leaders are those that are there for their people, providing the support and direction that is needed. For people to thrive at work, they need to feel safe to speak up, make mistakes, and be themselves without fear of punishment or judgement. As a people manager, it is important to have regular communication with your employees to work through any challenges and celebrate successes.

6. Be kind to yourself

Showing empathy and compassion for yourself and others at work is key to being a successful people manager. Many new leaders are especially hard on themselves. They feel the pressure of learning a new role, trying to prove themselves as the right fit for the role, and wanting to be successful for their team and organization. When things don’t go as planned – they blame themselves.

As a first-time people manager you will have more success–with less stress–if you expect the unexpected, treat all problems as opportunities, and be kind to yourself!