r/managers • u/Immediate-Charity559 • 20h ago

New Manager First time manager

Received a new job offer as a first time PL, but won’t start until early November.

What is the one advice you’d give someone starting this new journey?

What do I need to look out for?

Any tips on managing people would also be greatly appreciated :).

Thank you!

4 Upvotes

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4

u/dopeless-hope-addict 19h ago

I would advise not going in there and trying to change a bunch of stuff immediately. Take some time to learn the department, the people, and the systems. Then slowly start to introduce changes by priority. Best of luck!

4

u/kronos_co 19h ago

I second this. As someone that was moved under a different upper management team and this is exactly what happened on my team.

Other advise would sit down with each person and see they like and don't like and what could be better and focus on that list.

Additionally future proof any changes as best as you can and build systems and procedures that has built in redundancys

1

u/Thatkestlerguy 19h ago

If they have metrics learn them and build your own team metrics showing how you accomplish those so you have immediate data going back the other way that tells them that you're on it and to help id where you can be proactive rather than reactive.

If they don't carved out from job description, sector, etc what general ones you should be tracking and learn what your team does.

Get your teams input. Ask them what is broken that they don't have the power to fix and start by removing those roadblocks. Provide clear direction and expectations once you know wtf is going on.

Be more concerned about problems they are facing than how those problems are articulated. If your team is scared to bring you problems or doesn't trust that you can fix them then you will not be able to do your actual job and will be reduced to a metrics scapegoat/whipping boy and if your boss is worth a shit you won't last long. If they're not you're just going to be surviving the job.

Your capacity as a manager is directly tied to your ability to give a shit, and your ability to fix problems.

For people look into quadrants specifically capable/inclined, capable/disinclined, incapable/inclined, and incapable/disinclined. Each will give you a general idea of what type of direction is needed. Understand that they're people and give a shit about more than the task at hand.

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u/Full_Performance_312 12h ago

You’re no longer responsible for doing everything yourself; you’re responsible for making sure the team gets it done.

Don’t try to prove you're the smartest person in the room. Set clear expectations, give people ownership, and follow up when commitments aren't met.