1.

Adjusting to the role

First time managers often find it difficult to take ownership of their role. It can be particularly difficult
managing those they used to work closely with as peers, and perhaps have personal relationships with.
They will need to learn to keep these personal relationships separate from workplace conversations.

Tip: One way of doing this is by teaching them how to give feedback. This will help them feel more
comfortable giving their team members input on their work, particularly when they want to address an
issue they may have noticed. Remind them that giving constructive feedback isn’t negative, but is a way
of helping their team reach their full potential and be more efficient.

2. Micro-managing

Whilst it’s undeniably a manager’s role to support and coach their team to help them perform at the
best of their abilities, there’s a fine line between managing and not giving people the space to do their
work.

A common misconception when becoming a manager is that they suddenly have to control and oversee
everyone’s work, double checking what’s been done and acting as a sort of “quality control”. But this
can quickly become stifling for the team, who won’t feel trusted and will no longer have the freedom to
do their work.

Tip: Before someone starts in their new role, share some high level information with them on a
manager’s top traits. This could be through a Q&A session with more seasoned managers, a mentoring
scheme, or a cheat sheet.

A manager’s role is to enable the team so they have the space to complete their assignments, whilst
helping them make progress as individuals and take ownership of their development. This means
supporting their schedules so they can get their work done, helping them to prioritize, and acting as the
buffer between the team and upper management, amongst other things. Ensure this is known to them.

3. Not demonstrating leadership

Whilst micro-managing can be an issue, on the other end of the spectrum is not giving people enough
guidance on what is expected of them. While people may know what individual tasks they’re supposed
to complete, a manager’s responsibility is to ensure everyone is fully aware of how their work aligns and
contributes to both the team and the wider company goals. Managers should be able to give a sense of
direction to their team, steering everyone in the same direction.
Tip: Ensure the company goals and values are clearly communicated at all levels of the organization, and
are particularly clear to managers. This might be done through regular company-wide meetings, posters,
or information sessions with smaller groups. No matter how it’s done, it has to be clear so managers can
further communicate them to their team and give them direction.

4. Lack of communication

As new managers, people may find it difficult to openly communicate with their team about
expectations or to bring up issues they are encountering. However, it’s important to keep
communication frequent and open so that everyone is on the same page. Developing a culture of
feedback within a team is an essential way to ensure they can really progress together and individually.

It’s equally important to celebrate their successes, however big or small. Making sure your team feels
recognized is an important way to ensure they are motivated and want to contribute more.

Tip: Recognition doesn’t have to be costly, it can be as simple as a hand-written thank you note. Look at
your internal recognition programs and what you’re doing to encourage this mindset. Ensure managers
are aware of what is available to them, and support them when needed. For more information, watch
our webinar on the value and impact of recognition!

5. No upward feedback

After mentioning how important it is for managers to give feedback, show leadership, and communicate
well, it only makes sense to evaluate their performance. After all, if you are encouraging them to
develop these skills but no one is evaluating their behaviour, it seems like a pointless exercise. It also
doesn’t set a very good example throughout the company, if bad managers are left in charge of teams.

Tip: Encourage managers to be open to upwards feedback, which will have 2 benefits. On the one hand,
it will help to grow the culture of feedback within the team by setting the example. If individuals see
their manager is open, they will feel more inclined to share themselves. On the other hand, it shows the
manager has a desire to improve and learn. To further support this you can run leadership reviews, so
that you as HR have the data you need on how well your managers are performing.