The 9 mistakes all new managers make (and how to avoid them)
Are you new to a manager role? Congratulations! With a senior role, comes greater responsibility, and there are some mistakes that are very common and easy to make. Avoid those mistakes new managers make at the beginning of your journey!
In this article…
- Mistakes new managers make: Failing to set clear expectations
- Micromanaging
- Failing to delegate effectively
- Not providing enough feedback
- Lack of communication
- Not considering their team’s development
- Failing to manage conflicts
- Not adapting to change
- Failing to create a positive work environment
- How to avoid those common mistakes new managers make
Mistakes new managers make: Failing to set clear expectations
New managers often forget to set clear expectations for their team members, leading to confusion and decreased productivity.
Micromanaging
New managers may feel the need to control every aspect of their team’s work, leading to decreased motivation and increased frustration.
The “result” of micromanagement is perhaps tangible in the short run, but more often causes damage for the long term.
Pearl Zhu, Change Insight: Change as an Ongoing Capability to Fuel Digital Transformation
Failing to delegate effectively
New managers may not delegate tasks effectively, leading to overloading themselves with work and decreased productivity.
Not providing enough feedback
New managers may forget to provide regular feedback to their team members, leading to decreased motivation and engagement.
Feedback is the breakfast of champions.
Ken Blanchard
Lack of communication
New managers may struggle to communicate effectively with their team members, leading to misunderstandings and decreased collaboration.
Not considering their team’s development
New managers may forget to consider their team’s development and career growth, leading to decreased motivation and retention.
Failing to manage conflicts
New managers may struggle to manage conflicts within their team, leading to decreased morale and increased turnover.
Not adapting to change
New managers may struggle to adapt to change, leading to decreased flexibility and responsiveness.
And the most successful people are those who accept, and adapt to constant change. This adaptability requires a degree of flexibility and humility most people can’t manage.
Paul Lutus
Failing to create a positive work environment
New managers may forget to create a positive work environment, leading to decreased morale and engagement.
How to avoid those common mistakes new managers make
To avoid these common mistakes, new managers should focus on setting clear expectations, delegating effectively, providing regular feedback, communicating effectively, considering their team’s development, managing conflicts, adapting to change, and creating a positive work environment. With these practices in place, new managers can build strong and effective teams, and succeed in their roles.
