For employees, it is important to understand the key aspects of management, leadership and the job at hand.
√ What are your responsibilities and the skills needed in your capacity as manager?
√ Do I understand my role?
In this new managerial position, employees should take the time to get a clearer picture of the key components required to be successful in their new role. Time must also be spent in the managerial role doing the job in order to learn and gain hands-on experience.
Pairing with a mentor
Leaders should encourage employees to pair up with someone who has made the transition into management. Employees can shadow a colleague or someone they admire currently in a managerial position. A mentor can provide insight into the challenges of being a manager and how to overcome them.
Technical people need soft skills
Soft skills are essential for a person in a managerial role, as they influence how you work and interact with others. As employees acquire these skills, it will lead to their personal growth and development enabling them to thrive in their new position.
Here are some soft skills to focus on:
- Interpersonal Skills – These skills give managers the ability to communicate, work, interact and relate effectively with people. This will lead to an open and welcoming work environment for staff.
- Communication skills – Being an effective communicator will allow new managers to engage and collaborate with staff who was once their colleagues previously. Exploring what is the best way to communicate both verbally and in written as a new manager is important.
- Time Management – This can have a profound effect on the new role and the team. Creating schedules, sticking to deadlines and completing tasks or projects shows new managers their dependability and efficient use of time.
- Creativity and Innovation – To stay ahead of the curve, newly appointed managers should be at the forefront of creativity and innovation. It is important to encourage and enable collaboration amongst staff, tapping into their creativity and input.
- Problem Solving – Managers who are problem solvers are an asset to any company. Newly appointed managers will need to be quick on their feet and offer solutions to problems in a productive manner.
Making that move into management is not an easy road, but those who are willing to undertake this exploration will excel in their new role and strengthen by their drive to succeed.
CRS can assist businesses in up-skilling or re-skilling their staff for the transition to management. Need help in preparing your technical staff for managerial roles? Book a session with Mariska at mariska@crsrecruitment.co.tt
Author: Johanna Thomas