I have worked in a few different fields and have come across similarities regardless of what the work or purpose was. One of the most common issues I have come across is companies and more importantly the upper level managers of those companies promoting people into management positions and then not giving them proper training in how to truly manage. Sure they may have shown promise as parts of the team but unless you have been in a leadership position you do not really know what it means to lead. The saddest part is that most of the time these new managers have to learn the toughest lessons the hard way. This can lead to burn out, breakdowns, quitting and or possibly termination. So I have decided to pass on a few of my rules to being a successful manager earned very much the hard way. They are in no particular order. Hope they help.

1. Take ownership for what you manage.
– Take responsibility for any problems and share credit with those you lead for all successes. This will help garner trust in those you lead and faith in those you answer to.

2. Know how and when to delegate.
– Just because you can do everything does not mean you should. Delegating to those beneath you accomplishes many positive things. For you, the manager, it spreads the work load saving you from fatigue and burn out. For your team it is even more important. It shows your trust and empowers your team to improve and succeed. It is vital to team building.

3. Being a manager means never having to say you are sorry.
– Instead of apologizing take responsibility for whatever has gone wrong and make a plan to either rectify the situation or if unable to do that move forward to the most positive of outcomes. Apologizing makes you look weak and a manager should always appear confident to inspire those around them.

4. Never say “I don”t know.”
– Know your business. You were promoted for a reason. If asked a tough question take your time to consider it. Do not rush into a poor answer. After consideration come up with the best educated guess as possible. If it is wrong it still shows you are thinking while giving your superior the opportunity to teach you something.

5. Never ask your supervisor what to do?
– Upper level managers do not want to do your thinking for you. It is why they promoted you. Instead of asking what to do come up with a plan to deal with the problem. Then present your plan to your superior to give them the opportunity to either approve your plan or make necessary adjustments they deem fit. Have confidence in your own judgment but keep your superior in the loop so that you give them no surprises. They will appreciate the initiative as well as the respect to their position.

Feel free to comment if you would like any clarification. Otherwise hopefully this proves helpful to some of you out there.

Nullus Anxietas