Lately I’ve been receiving referrals to coach first-time leaders and managers. I always tell my new clients that the jump from individual contributor to first-time leader is the biggest. Subsequent moves up the career ladder will generally be easier once you learn how to manage and lead a team.
A fantastic book that I’ve been recommending to my new clients is called “The First-Time Manager” by Loren B. Belker, Jim McCormick and Gary S. Topchik. Originally published in 1981, it is updated every five to seven years and is now in its seventh edition. The book is divided into six sections with a wealth of tips and ideas in each:
- So, You’re Going to Manage People.
- Tackling Your New Duties.
- Working With People, Building Relationships, Managing Risk.
- Job Descriptions, Performance Appraisals, Salary Administration.
- Improving and Developing Yourself.
- The Complete Person.
The book starts off with some sage advice for the first 60 days in the new role. In the first week, spend time with your new team; show restraint on any changes; and say, “I don’t know,” instead of bluffing. Other areas to tackle include managing your moods and keeping your cool. You want to start off on a positive note. Be an active listener. This is an important skill to pay attention to throughout your leadership journey. Listen twice as much as you talk.
In managing direct reports, the authors introduce the situational leadership model, a classic framework where you ask two critical questions: How much control do you give the individual? How much encouragement do they need? Then you adjust your management style accordingly. The authors also highlight the importance of consistent one-on-one meetings with individual team members, a key to being a good manager right out of the gate.
Subsequent chapters deal with advice such as the elements to building a dynamic team, which includes open communication, empowerment (when ready), clear roles and responsibilities, goal clarity, and other elements. There are chapters on managing problem employees, managing change and dealing with resistance — all thorny issues you will probably run into as a new leader. There is also information on understanding the different generations in the workplace, managing remote employees and handling social media in the workplace.
The last sections of the book deal with how you take care of yourself as a leader, things like the importance of having emotional intelligence, how to manage your time and having a sense of humor.
This book is a whole leadership course and can be an invaluable reference for any first-time leader.
