Many of my clients are financial advisors and entrepreneurs who have developed successful businesses. As their businesses continue to grow, they are now fine-tuning their skills for managing and leading others.
As I look back on my career, I realize that I was very fortunate to work with and for some wonderful people who helped me to become a great manager and coach. In today’s business world, we don’t always have such role models and mentors, which is why hiring a coach can be so important.
A Personal Story
Stories of my mistakes really resonate with clients, so I am documenting one of my stories here, that of my first job as a manager in the corporate world.
I had been in the top tier of sales performers and was asked to manage a sales team of which I had once been a part. I was excited and energized and wanted to do my best. However, within three months, I had made so many mistakes and alienated so many people that my manager staged an intervention for me and my team.
What I learned from that experience and now know forms the basis for what I’ve termed my “Rookie Manager Mistakes”:
Mistake #1 – Talk More Than You Listen
In my zeal to share my knowledge with others, I talked constantly. Those who worked for me never got a chance to share their views. I was “telling” all of the time, and other people eventually tuned out.
Mistake #2 – Accentuate the Negative
I spent most of my time micro-managing tasks, reviewing the work of the team, and pointing out their errors. I told them what to do and how to do it. In my view, there was only one way to do a task – my way.
Mistake #3 – Absence of a Purpose
In the midst of all the talking and negative feedback, I had never established a goal or common purpose for the group. I had not given them something to help motivate them and move them forward.
Learning from My Mistakes
My first management job could have been my last!
The good news for me – and my team – is that I took the feedback I received to heart. As a result, I changed my ways and became a much better manager. I learned that being the best at something takes commitment, as well as a great deal of awareness regarding how we impact those around us.
Becoming a Successful Manager
The transition from performer to manager is not an easy one, nor is it for everyone. Some people should continue to be performers and avoid the management route. For those who choose management or move into it through the successful growth of their businesses, it is important to avoid the above rookie mistakes and develop the skills of great leaders. This will happen over time and can be helped by reading articles and books on management. Working with a coach can also be beneficial in developing the necessary skills for becoming a successful manager.