When you start a new job, there is always pressure to succeed. But when you are stepping into a management position, that standard is even higher. Here are four best practices to follow when you’re starting a new position.
Define your own job clearly.
Start defining and setting expectations by focusing on the boundaries of your own job. Be clear and concise. A list of fifty duties will simply overwhelm you; instead, focus on defining your role in one sentence or less. Write this sentence on an index card and put it where you can see it every morning – perhaps attached to your computer monitor. Then, make sure every task you undertake as a manager is pointed toward that goal.
Create a 30-60-90 plan.
With your job defined, it’s time to decide what you want to accomplish in the next 30, 60, and 90 days. For the first 30 days, simply learning your team’s personalities, how they “mesh” together, and what they’re doing may take up most or all of your time – so make these your priorities. Spend the next thirty days getting up to speed on the company’s goals and approach, and integrate the two in the last thirty days.
Set SMART goals for your team.
Define your team’s vital responsibilities and necessary output. Then, set goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-managed. When you communicate goals to the team, focus on these categories: make sure they know what needs to be done, how you (and they) will know it is done, how they can accomplish the goal, and when you expect the results. Then, let them get to work, and step in only when there are questions or concerns.
Focus on short-term clarity rather than long-term answers.
Talk to your team about what they can reasonably produce right now. Then, give them the task of producing that right now. Make sure they understand where your focus will be in the meantime. Be willing to revise and update your plan as you go, as new information arises. Pushing the team to commit to a single long-term vision too soon will make it difficult to change course quickly if needed. It also risks overloading staff with information that may distract from the task in front of them.
At THE RIGHT STAFF, LLC, our experienced recruiters can help you thrive as a new or continuing manager. Contact us today to learn more about our staffing services in Somerset, WI and beyond.
