Dear Young Manager, (con'td)
Priority #1: Give recognition to your people for good work regularly. Find at least one of your team doing something well every day and thank them specifically for what they have done. This builds a positive culture within your team.
Priority #2: Ask for help when you need it. Use the experience within your team. It’s easy to think that “I’m the manager. I’m supposed to know what I am doing, so it may make me look weak if I ask for help.” There’s only a very slight difference between self confidence and arrogance. The self confident manager says “I definitely know there is an answer (somewhere) to this challenge or problem.” Whereas the arrogant manager says “I have the answer to this challenge or problem”.
Priority #3: Keep a Learning Journal. Jot down things in a small pocket book that you think may be important. Jot down things in a small pocket book that you think may be important. In particular, when you do overcome a major challenge or problem, take time to reflect (and record)—what was the challenge? What did I do that worked well? What did I do that did not work so well? What will I do differently next time? Review your journal once a week on a designated day and time. Make this a habit.
Priority #4: Avoid snap decisions. Certainly trust your gut instinct, but before jumping into action, reflect—is this the best approach for this issue at this time? What are some other alternatives?
Priority #5: Admit mistakes. The leadership research suggests that all great leaders share one common trait—they are willing to admit when they are wrong. Admitting mistakes shows that you are human. It also builds trust and respect.