7MistakesManagersShouldAvoid
Taking on a managerial role can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. You'll need a new skill set to succeed,andyourperformancewillbedependontheachievementsofyoursubordinates.
Managing employees comes with challenges, some of which can have a legal impact. According to a Toronto employment lawyer, managers should consult legal professionals specialising in employment law for informed choicesandtheirsanity.
9MistakesSeasoned,New,andAspiringManagersShouldAvoid
Managers need training before taking the driver's seat. Sadly, a recent research revealed that only 40% of new Managers undergo training. Mistakes can't be eliminated, but they can be avoided or minimised to safe levels.
Trainingequipsmanagerswiththenecessaryskillstoperformtheirdutieseffectively.Butwhatarethecommon mistakesformanagers?
1.FailingtoDelegateTasks
By default, the education system teaches you to be a good worker. Also, most people start with junior roles, climb up the career ladder, and finally, they apply for managerial positions—your responsibility shifts with the title shift. You're no longer a part of a big team; you become a team leader. In other words, managers are responsibleforthesuccessoftheirteams.
Failing to delegate tasks can negatively impact your success and the success of a business, by extension. Doing everything on your own means you'll take more time to complete a task that would have been completed in lesser time if delegated. Managers should be busy supervising, coaching, and supporting employees instead of tacklingtasksthatotherscando.
2.MicromanagingEmployees
Managers should restrain from micromanaging their subordinates once tasks are delegated. No one likes to be constantly supervised when working. Different studies show that employees prefer working autonomously and withoutconstantinterference.
Keeping up with the details or progress of every project is almost impossible, especially when Managing a big team. That said, the best you can do is to trust your employees to avoid burnout or other adverse effects. However,youcanfocuson:
• Whetheryourteamisstilloncourse;
• Whethertheorganizationalmilestonesareachievable;
• Howeachtaskcontributestotheoverallgoals,and
• Howeachemployeecontributestotheassignments,amongothers.
Goodmanagersshouldfocusonthefinalproductbutnotthenitty-gritty.
3.FailingtoAskQuestions
This is a common challenge for new managers because they mimic their predecessors without questioning or "asking why." A good manager should be innovative because things keep changing. Prevailing solutions may be obsolete shortly and hence, irrelevant to your job. Managers can use the following questions to enhance their reasoning:
• Whyarewedoingthingsthisway?
• Whatcanwedotoachievethesameresultsfaster?
• Istheworkstillprofitable?
• Arewemaximisingtheavailableresources?
4.TooMuchChangeTooSoon
Managers should ask questions to increase the efficiency and overall performance of the business. However, everythingwillnotchangeinstantlyjustbecauseyouhavetherighttoaskquestions.
It would be essential to be patient with employees to understand their thought processes and approach. Understanding the organizational goals and culture is the first step toward proper transition. Through engagement,managerscanidentifyincremental improvementstostreamlineacomplicatedprocess.Withmore listeningthantalking,yoursubordinateswillbemoreopen.
5.EntertainingConfrontations
Research shows that employees, including managers, spend three hours each week, on average, resolving workplaceconflicts.
Difficult conversations can arise when employees disagree, so a good manager should handle such matters impartiallytoavoidpotentialproblems.
The longer an issue takes to resolve, the more it escalates. For instance, an underperforming employee should bedealtwithimmediatelybecausetheirperformanceaffectsthewholeteam.
6.LackingMentorship
The issues or challenges faced by managers are not new. Experienced managers have likely encountered the same situation you're facing. That said, you should have a confidant to consult when you run out of ideas or encounter potential roadblocks. No one knows everything so, you'll need someone to help you when you get stuck or when youmakemistakes.
7.TalkingMoreThanListening
People whotalkmuchare poor listeners, which can hurtyour progressor success asa manager. New managersget caught up while trying to outdo their predecessors. For instance, employees should have a say in the decisionmakingprocess.
Inclusivity in the workplace involves engagement, meaning you can't achieve the desired results by isolating the people you're helping. A good manager should listen to the needs, grievances, and challenges encountered by employees.Simplyput,employeesshouldbestakeholderstothedecision-makingprocess.
Understanding the seven management mistakes discussed in this article is the first step toward avoiding them. Employeesarethegreatestassetanybusinesscanhave.