If you are a new manager, congratulations! It can be an exciting and challenging role. There are many things to learn in your first week on the job. Moreover, first-time managers often find it challenging to transition from the role of a coworker to that of an authority figure while at the same time maintaining positive relationships and gaining respect.
Managers starting at a new company or branch have the additional challenge of establishing themselves as competent as a leader, and trustworthy as an individual. This blog provides five tips for getting acclimatized to your new role.
What is retail management?
Retail management involves executing all the processes and procedures required to attract customers into the store and fulfill their shopping desires. In addition, retail store managers make shopping a positive and memorable experience that ensures customers leave satisfied. In sum, retail management is about supporting customers through their shopping journey.
In general, the four primary responsibilities of retail managers are as follows:
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- Inventory management
- Staff management
- The store layout, design, and planning
- Sales target planning
Five Tips to Help First-Time Managers Hit the Road Running
Making a good first impression helps develop relationships with coworkers and ensures the transition period happen smoothly. From first introductions to behavior, attitudes, and personal presentation, these constituents’ all play a role in the formation of employee and peer perceptions.
Hence, first-time managers should not come across as controlling or inflexible when completing tasks or giving instructions. Instead, focus on noticing how the business functions and take an interest by asking employees questions about their jobs. By observing their working habits, conversations and actions, new managers can assess how to direct and delegate tasks more effectively in the future.
I) Self-Introductions to Team Members
Self-introducing to your team is essential for new managers because it helps show enthusiasm for the new position and working at the new organization. A new manager should let the team know about their identity, personality, and a few personal details such as hobbies or favorite movies.
Eight tips on how to introduce yourself as a manager to a new team
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- Get to know and understand teammates.
- Be positive.
- Dress for the job.
- Share your story.
- Allow time for questions.
An effective self-introduction helps to create a positive first impression. Also, introductions help ease the transition process and improve the chances of successful change.
Here is an example of a typical self-introduction
“Hi, team, my name is [your name], and I’m your new manager here at [organization]. I’m looking forward to building relationships with our stakeholders and assigning work based on your strengths – which I also look forward to learning. I’m confident we can all find creative ways to [list a few quick goals].”
Self-Introduction template via email:
“Dear [department] team, My name is [your name], and I would like to introduce myself to you all. I just started my job as [new role] at [company name], and I am excited to dive in. I would love to get to know the rest of you however you’d like, whether that’s over Slack, Zoom, or email.”
Knowing the people you are working with is crucial in effectively managing them. People have unique personalities and react differently to management styles. For this reason, understanding your people allows managers to tailor leadership styles accordingly.
II) Practice Active Listening: Listen More and Speak Lessz
Managers must listen to demonstrate to their team that they care. New managers who do not understand the value of listening will never command the respect of their people. Moreover, active listening is an effective way for managers to secure new insights, ideas, and perspectives, which can further business objectives.
Five tips for new managers that demonstrate active listening (mindtools.com):
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- Face the speaker
- Make eye contact
- Provide feedback
- Ask questions
- Respond appropriately
- Follow up with action
Employees who feel their leaders listen are likelier to speak up and share their ideas and perspectives. Getting feedback from employees can help you grow as a leader. For example, employees respond positively to an open-door policy in which they know the manager is listening and genuinely interested in resolving workplace issues. As a result, the level of trust increases between managers and employees, leading to improved performance and job satisfaction.
III) Encourage Open Communication
Organizations use communication to share information, express ideas, and influence people. Therefore, good communication is an essential component of managing people. New managers should create and maintain open communication channels between staff and management. Open communication channels encourage transparency and foster a culture of collaboration.
- 69% of managers are uncomfortable communicating with employees (OfficeVibe, 2022)
New Managers should keep the tone of communication informal and conversations moving organically while ensuring that employees feel empowered to express themselves. In addition, new managers must understand that communicating in groups is challenging for some; thus, a good manager should create additional avenues of communication available.
IV) Learn to Exert Managerial Authority
New managers must learn the importance of “control” and the exercise of authority over subordinates. Control is the process wherein a business assesses errors and implements corrections to keep the business moving in the right direction. This exercise of managerial authority increases an organization’s chances of achieving success.
New managers can establish their authority by:
- Listening to team members
- Setting clear expectations
- Keeping promises
- Providing constructive feedback
- Ask and receive feedback
In short, employees look to managers for leadership, coaching, guidance, and solutions to problems. If they do not get it from them, the business will likely become disorganized and disengaged.
Thus, managers must direct staff members toward completing tasks and adhering to policies and procedures. Further, management provides organizational structure by ensuring employees understand their role in achieving business outcomes.
V) Seek Out a Formal or Informal Mentor
Mentorship provides new managers with a support network that helps them learn from experienced managers. A mentor speeds up the learning process, allows the new manager to become accustomed to the organizational culture, and helps engender confidence and a sense of commitment.
Mentors also provide new managers with opportunities to (Insala.com):
- Increased self-confidence
- Increased self-awareness
- Leadership skill development.
- Allows for constructive feedback.
- Exposure to new and different perspectives.
- Increases employee satisfaction
The purpose of mentorship is to exchange knowledge and experience as well as ensure that business continuity occurs with few disruptions. In short, mentoring Improves the chances that the new manager will succeed in their new role.
Transitioning into a new management role can be both challenging and rewarding. Following the tips in this blog will give new managers the best chance to succeed. Remember to take things one step at a time and stay patient; with hard work and dedication, you will soon become an effective manager. Do you have any additional tips for first-time managers?
Thank you for reading our article!
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