If you’re about to make the step up into managing a team, we're here to tell you they can be challenging shoes to fill, especially if you haven't done it before. Around 60% of new managers fail within the first two years, either because they've received no official in-person or online training in the task or are simply not suited to that kind of role.
What Makes Someone A Good Manager?
As you'd probably guess, merely taking a business management course won't equip you with all the responsibilities and guidance you'll need to provide. Sure, this kind of learning can help guide you, but ultimately, it's up to you to implement things. As such, you'll need excellent soft skills that include the following:
- Effective communication
- Organisational skills
- Leadership abilities
- Decisiveness
- Empathy
The full list of required personality traits is extended for a manager, as you're many things to many people. The good news is that it's possible to use short courses online to develop your management abilities (we'll get to that at the end of the article).
How Do You Introduce Yourself As A Manager To A New Team?
When you take over a team, either as someone promoted from within or hired externally, it's important to set the right tone straight from the off. That means being sharply dressed (if applicable), confident and approachable. You also need to get to know everyone fast, which is best achieved by having a quick one-to-one with everyone within the first week or so.
We now look at seven essential questions that you should be broaching during these one-to-ones so as to get a better feel of how things work now and what can be done to improve things.
- Question #1 - How do you prefer to receive & offer feedback?
Part of your job as a manager is to provide constructive feedback to your team, but not everyone likes to receive it in the same way. By asking whether they prefer feedback verbally, via email or as part of their regular one-to-ones, you'll ensure you don't ruffle any feathers at the outset.
- Question #2 - What do you feel is currently not communicated properly in your role?
The answer to this question will do two things; 1) show you how deeply the team member in question thinks about their role and 2) what potential issues will need to be addressed as your first point of action. It also makes employees feel listened to - which in itself is essential.
- Question #3 - Who's the best boss you've ever worked for, and why?
Asking staff who their best boss has been and what made them so is great for understanding which of the seven main leadership styles is going to be the most effective for you. By asking the same question to all your staff, you'll gain valuable insight into the right approach.
- Question #4 - What's the best way to reward good work?
Knowing what represents an attractive reward in your workplace can be really useful in motivating people. Certain employees may prefer to get access to online learning to develop themselves, while others like perks such as an early finish or extra pay. Knowing what people want is very helpful indeed.
- Question #5 - Where do you see yourself in five years?
Ok, so this is quite a clichéd question, but it's one with a lot of value attached to it. You see, by asking it, you'll get to know who might be thinking of leaving, who's looking for development support and who's happy just being where they are. This is valuable insight that'll help to guide how you manage them.
Before you start implementing changes as a manager and putting your stamp on things, it's vital to know your team inside out. Only then can you possibly put a coherent management strategy together that serves the needs of those you lead.
Learn To Lead With An OCA Short Course Online
Some people are natural leaders, whereas others have to work at it; however, both can benefit from taking OCA CPD-Endorsed short courses online, like our HR Management & Communication course. Video-based for easy digestion, we offer a next-level learning experience that makes gaining new skills a piece of cake! In fact, it’s one that actively encourages you to learn more!
Leadership is just one area in which our online training can help, as our comprehensive library contains courses that cover more than 20 different industries. Our customers are well-supported, too, with 1-to-1 mentoring provided for every course. Our students see ours as the best online education Australia can offer - something you can find out more about by watching our Study Demo.
To find out more about anything we’ve discussed here or to see our entire learning library, visit us today at www.onlinecoursesaustralia.edu.au. There you’ll also see that we offer a selection of flexible payment options that allow you to spread out the cost more manageably.
If you’d like to speak to us directly about your needs, call 1300 611 404, and you’ll get straight through to get the answers you require. Alternatively, email [email protected], and we’ll respond as quickly as possible.
