Being new to management is a scary proposition. Yes, it is exciting to be able to take the helm of a team, to steer your ship in the direction that you see fit. But there is the matter of having the respect of the team and driving them in that direction.
If you are looking to build influence as a new manager, there are a few things that you should keep in mind.
Be Transparent and Relatable
The most successful managers are the ones who are approachable. There is an old-school mentality of ruling with an iron fist, but that has a short shelf life at best. Being approachable as someone that the team feels like they can talk to earnestly is of the utmost importance.
More and more, employees want to know that they are heard by their superiors. They want to trust that their opinions are considered and not simply dismissed. Being relatable and transparent about your thought process will go a long way.
Behave How You Want Employees to Behave
Holding oneself accountable is huge in modern management. In the old days, it was very much a “do as I say, not as I do” approach. But the modern employee is not having that. If you want to command respect and build influence, hold yourself accountable.
If you would call someone to the carpet for making a mistake, call yourself out when you are the culprit. It will build respect from the team and give you more credibility and influence.
Communication Is Key
One of the most crucial aspects of being an effective leader is communication. If you can’t properly communicate what you hope to achieve, how can the team possibly make it become a reality?
Moreover, communication is about feedback and not just negative feedback. Illustrate to the team what they are doing well and what you would like to see change. The positive feedback works in tandem with the criticism and keeps employees from feeling disconnected and underappreciated.