Tip #1102: How Newly Promoted Managers Can Meet 11 Challenges, Part One

This Tip looks at the first three of eleven challenges newly promoted managers need to meet.

There are many potential mine fields when an individual contributor is promoted to a managerial position.

If you are a newly promoted manager, here are #1-#3 of the 11 challenges you may face- and how you can meet those challenges.

Note that the To Do’s include a variety of suggestions. Select what makes sense for you.

Eleven Challenges Newly Promoted Managers May Face

1. Identity shift

You are no longer just responsible for your own work output or deliverables.

You are now accountable for the team’s output.

This requires strategic planning, coordinating the work of different teams, and making sure that projects are completed with quality and speed.

To Do:

• Get know the strengths and capabilities of your team members, rather than just focusing on just your own.
• Recognize that you no longer are an individual contributor.
• Plan how to overview and monitor what is going on with the team and their current projects, without being a micromanager.
• Take time to get adjusted to your new authority and accountability.

2. Emotional challenges

You may have some anxiety or self-doubt about your capabilities or your readiness for your new role.

Imposter syndrome can feel very real.

You may also avoid asking for help or appearing vulnerable.

This can limit your growth and decision-making.

To Do:

• Anxiety and self-doubt are natural in such a situation.
• Accept that upper management has faith in you for good reason.
• Recognize that you will make mistakes because you’re new to the position.
  • Be willing to acknowledge and learn from those mistakes.
• That will build your team’s trust.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

3. Managing Relationships

It can be difficult to transition from friend or colleague to the boss.

Others on the team may have applied for your position and may be resentful that you were selected.

It may be difficult to create team cohesion and trust.

This situation requires tact, diplomacy, and empathy.

To Do:

• Recognize there may be hard feelings.
• Meet with those who applied for your position.
  • Let them know you value their experience and expertise.
  • Ask for their support, since you see them as influential with the team.
• Meet with the other team members one-on-one.
  • Discuss their hopes, concerns, and expectations.
  • Ask for their support.
• Meet with the entire team.
  • Acknowledge it may be difficult at first to accept you as their leader.
  • Explain how your new role will affect past relationships- and that there will be no favoritism.
  • Tell them you will need to rely on all of them for their expertise and support.
  • Discuss how you plan to go forward.

In Tip #1103, we’ll consider #4-#6 of the 11 challenges new managers may face.

If you are having difficulty managing former colleagues, I can help. Schedule a free 30-minute strategy session using http://bit.ly/44yLO5l so we can discuss your options.