As a new manager, there’s a lot of pressure to meet goals and exceed expectations. If you’re just starting out, it can get a little overwhelming. But there is one key step you can take to achieve success: building a winning team.
So before you hit the ground running to meet all your goals, make sure you take the time to get to know your new team members and work toward building trust with them. You’ll cultivate a staff that is more energized, focused, and determined to get the job done. To do that, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Listen First.
Don’t go into the first staff meeting doing all the talking. Instead, listen first. Ask questions. Ask follow-up questions. Find out what’s important to your employees and the challenges they are facing in their roles. This will not only help foster positive working relationships but also find out about potential obstacles ahead.
Be Honest and Authentic.
Your team does not expect you to have all the answers. What they do want is honesty, transparency, and authenticity. So communicate with them regularly about what you do know and what you don’t. Bring them to the table and invite them to share their opinions and ideas when it comes to certain business decisions. Honesty and openness will help to build a foundation of trust between you and your people.
Offer Clarity.
Make sure your employees are clear about the expectations you have for them and for the team as a whole. Set individuals goals with each one and follow up regularly to check in. The more you work together and keep communication open, the more motivated your employees will be to get the extra mile for you.
Skip the Micromanaging.
Employees hate being micromanaged. It sends the message that you don’t trust them. While you might be new to the job, that doesn’t mean you should be constantly looking over their shoulders. Instead, when you set clear goals and timelines for each employee, you can let them do their work autonomously and simply schedule regular check-ins or mid-month meetings to talk about progress, challenges, wins, and goals.
Give the Credit.
Don’t take credit for the work of the whole team. Instead, offer words of acknowledgment and timely praise to employees who are doing more and exceeding your expectations. This will drive them to keep up their hard work, while also setting the standard for your team as whole.
Need Help Adding to Your Team?
If hiring is part of your to-do list, get help from the recruitment firm trusted across the Tempe, AZ, area. We can handle the sourcing, screening, and initial interviewing, while you focus on your people. We’ll help you tackle staffing challenges, find exceptional talent, and make better hiring decisions. Contact us to get started!
