As you embark on your first formal leadership role, you are bound to encounter some typical management challenges. Listed are frequent pitfalls faced by many new managers and insights on how you can avoid them.

“I’ll just do what my boss did!”

Sometimes more experienced managers fall into bad habits and behaviours. Look for a mentor. Someone you respect. Talk to your boss about mentorship.

“You must get rid of conflict”

Good luck! Today’s workplace is bound to have conflict and stress. As a new manager you need to be aware of this and know how to manage conflict – not get rid of it.

“People should just know how to do their jobs”

Expectations change frequently. The ability to coach your employees to ensure they have the skills and strategies needed to work efficiently and productively is critical.

“I can do it better”

Many managers can do it better. However, you can’t do everything and still fulfill your responsibilities as a leader. Delegation is an important survival skill.

“Forget goals, let’s just get the job done”

You won’t be able to get the job done if your employees don’t know what is expected of them. The ability to articulate and write clear, measurable goals is essential.

“Meetings will always be boring!”

They don’t have to be. Plan effective, engaging meetings with clear outcomes that will move your team and business forward.

“You can’t motivate people”

Sure you can. Create true motivators, such as interesting and challenging work, private and public recognition, and the feeling of contributing to the “bigger picture”.

“Some people just can’t or won’t do the job”

Assuming that poor performance is either a motivation or skills problem is naïve and simplistic. There are at least 25 reasons why performance problems occur at work.

“Communication will take care of itself”

Not so. New managers need to know how to deal with upset people and have the skills to confront those who are not responding to expectations. These are special communication skills that need to be developed.

“To be fair, treat everyone the same”

This sounds good, but the reality is managers can’t rely on a single approach to every situation. They must have a variety of strategies to accommodate the different needs of their employees.

MICA Centre for Leadership