Mistakes Managers Make

Managing can be a little daunting at first since close to 50% of managers received NO training before starting the job – and that’s a scary thought. Having worked with many of them, I’ve decided to compile and share with you the 10 most common mistakes new managers make and tips on how to avoid them.

1. Think you know everything.
Listen to the people around you. Ask for their input when appropriate. Keep an open mind.

2. Show everyone who's in charge.
You don't have to make a big show about being "the boss" but demonstrate that, as the boss, you are making a positive difference.

3. Change everything.
Don't re-invent the wheel. Learn the difference between "different" and "wrong".

4. Be afraid to do anything.
Upper management wouldn't have put you into the job if they didn't have confidence that you could handle it.

5. Don't take time to get to know your people.
Learn what makes them excited, how to motivate them, what they fear or worry about. Your people are what will make or break you in your quest to be a good manager. Give them your attention and time.

6. Don't waste time with your boss.
Since he/she just promoted you, surely he/she understands how busy you are and won't need any of your time, right? Wrong. Your job, just like it was before you became a manager, is to help your boss.

7. Don't worry about problems or problem employees.
You can no longer avoid problems or hope they will work themselves out. When something comes up, it is your job to figure out the best solution and get it done. That doesn't mean you can't ask for other's input or assistance, but it does mean you are the person who has to see it gets taken care of.

8. Don't let yourself be human.
Just because you are the boss doesn't mean you can't be human, that you can't laugh, or show emotion, or make an occasional mistake.

9. Don't protect your people.
The people in your group will be under pressure from every direction. It's your job to stand up for your people and make sure they are treated as fairly as possible. They will return the loyalty.

10. Avoid responsibility for anything.
You have to build the communications so there are no surprises, but also be prepared to shoulder the responsibility. It goes hand-in-hand with the authority.