moving from team member to manager? here’s what you need to know.

So, finally you’ve worked your way towards the role of a team manager. While you may have reached this position owing to your sound professional skills, the role of a manager requires much more than technical and domain skills. Managing a team is not an easy task and managers need to build complex people management skills to help the team work together and align individual people objectives with the objectives of the team and the broader goals of the organization.

Make a conscious perception shift – both in yourself and in your team

Being a manager calls for creating good interpersonal relationships with team members and as a new manager, the foremost thing you need to do is to shift your perception from being a co-worker to a leader.

Work along with your team members and support their growth and development. A true manager is a great mentor; learn to offer the right advice and guidance to your team at all times.

Make the most of management training

Most companies schedule training programs for new managers to help them settle down in their new role. Utilize these training programs and learn the fundamentals of management science besides understanding how to carry out day-to-day managerial tasks such as –

• Providing feedback to team members
• Team coaching and mentoring
• Tracking team performance
• Setting clear goals and helping the team work towards achieving these goals
• Manage performance issues
• Devise growth paths for individual team members
• Collaborate with HR in hiring and talent management activities

Get timely feedback / guidance from seniors

As a manager, your team is likely to look upon your performance as a benchmark and it is important to evaluate yourself periodically. Solicit candid feedback from seniors and peers and use their inputs to better your performance. It is also a good idea to have open discussions with your team members on their perceptions about you as a manager. This feedback will give you invaluable insights into their point of view and help you improve your performance and grow as a manager.

Study your organization’s business / the industry you operate in

A management role has a major part to play in business strategy and as a manager, it is important that you understand the business of your organization and industry dynamics in greater depth. This understanding will enable you to contribute effectively to boardroom discussions and help in strategy building. Study your competition and read up online industry forums specific to your organization’s line of business. Share the knowledge gained with your team members, seniors, and peers.

The transition to a managerial role is not an easy task and calls for a shift in attitude and acquisition of new and diversified skills. By aligning yourself with business goals and adapting to management best practices, you can successfully broaden your vision as a leader and help your team achieve success and optimum levels of growth.