10 commandments for first time managers

1.LEARNThe first thing that you have to learn as a first time manager is to how
get along with the team. This is a great transitional phase of your career
where your KRA (key responsibilities area) changes from transactional
to managerial roles. Keep your eyes, ears and mind open to learn about
your new team and also from them.

2.COMMUNICATEEffective team management always start with effective communications. And
effective communication starts with active listening. Since you are in learning curve
of managerial roles – communicate openly and transparently with your new team.
Listen and try to understand their side of stories on every issue. And always
remember this: Whenever you ask your team to do something state the reason
behind that order.

3.COMMITThe only way to earn respect from your new team is through sheer professional
behavior at work. Commit yourself to 100% dedication at work and never leave any
work for others what you can do for yourself. Work professionally on all your project
deadlines, client interactions and other milestones and demand the same
commitment from your team.

4.ENCOURAGEBelieve positively in the abilities of your team members and always encourage them
to higher level of performance. Lend a helping hand when they need you, back them
solidly when they give a good suggestion or take up a new initiative and make them
feel you will always stand by them for the betterment of the team.

5.RECOGNIZERecognition is a great motivator because it makes your team members feel valued at
work. Remember the classic management gold : Recognize good performance
publicly and review poor performance in private. When some of your team members
fail to deliver a task – discuss it out with him/her and see how you can help them to
complete the task. Once he/she completes the task, appreciate it duly.

6.INTERACTPositive interaction among the team members build up the confidence of the team.
It promotes comradeship and peer motivation within the team. Be ready to walk the
extra mile to keep the team integrated. Communicate more frequently, go out for
team outing and have constant feedback session. Keep the interaction level up.

7.VISUALISECompanies have corporate goals and mission. To build a super team, you have to
develop your team on the lines of organizational aspiration. Set your own vision
statement of the team and make every member of your team see the bigger picture
that their work can contribute in achieving the larger overall goals of the company.

8.FACILITATEFacilitate open door policy and a positive work atmosphere where your team
members are constantly learning new things, rectify their own mistakes and coming
up with innovative solutions for existing problems. You can do this by having brain
storming sessions, process tests and corporate trainings like six sigma or some other
relevant skills training for their work. Bottomline: Facilitate learning for team
members and create opportunities where they can apply what they learnt.

9.CONTROLManagerial skills demands constant monitoring on many key parameters. Team
Performance, Leave Management, Client Relationship, Business Growth and
Developments and even personal matters of team members if it is affecting them at
work. You have to learn take complete ownership of your team, both collectively and
individually. And you have to take full control of your team members without being
autocratic.

10.LEADConventional leadership wisdom might say leadership is setting up a direction and
have host of followers to follow him/her. But in actual world and businessworld too,
a true leader create more leaders. And you can create more leaders when your team
members truly follows you and try to emulate some of your leadership ideals. Try to
grow your business by doing quality work, show genuine interest in the career
development of your team members and take decisive actions for growth and
progress of your team. That is how you lead a team.

Thank You!