CCI columnist Mary Shirley looks back on her decade of managing people to dig up her top 10 tips for new managers dealing with the responsibility for the first time.
2024 marks my 10th year as a people manager. The individuals who comprise our teams entrust pieces of their career with us, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly. At this juncture I thought it would be worthwhile to reflect on the things I’ve learned and share advice for new managers who have direct reports for the first time.
1. Take the time to have career mapping conversations
I like to dedicate one-on-one meetings especially for this purpose at least once a quarter. The team member knows that this time is set aside to talk about their goals, including goals where I may no longer be in the picture so that we can strategize together on how to keep moving toward that goal.
2. Mark their milestones and care when they’re in sorrow
Important life events are going to happen throughout the course of the relationship with your team members. Marking them and celebrating where appropriate is meaningful. Now, I am someone who believes one can never have too much crockery or too many greeting cards. I delight in poring over and selecting just the right greeting cards in stationery stores. For those of you who aren’t, I recommend…
