5 Key Steps to Succeed as a First-Time Manager

As someone who’s spent years in leadership, I’ve seen firsthand how critical engaged managers are to an organization’s success. A recent Gallup State of the Workforce study confirms that reducing disengagement among employees boosts productivity, profitability and well-being. The key factor? You, as a manager. When you set clear expectations, offer meaningful feedback and hold your team accountable, engagement follows naturally.

However, stepping into a managerial role comes with its challenges. Many first-time managers feel unprepared, isolated or lacking the right training. Simply having the title doesn’t mean everything will fall into place. But with the right guidance, you can thrive in this role and lead your team to success.

Related: 4 Rookie Mistakes First-Time Managers Should Avoid

Common challenges you may face as a first-time manager

As a first-time manager, I understand the transition from individual contributor to leader isn’t always easy. One of the biggest challenges I encountered early on was a lack of formal training. Like many new managers, I was promoted based on my past performance, but leadership skills are a completely different game. It’s normal to feel unprepared, uncertain and even a bit isolated when faced with these new responsibilities.

Another major hurdle you may be facing is managing the emotional demands of leadership. You are now responsible for providing both professional and emotional support to your team, and that can take its toll. The risk of burnout is real, especially when you feel like you’re carrying the weight of the team alone. That’s why seeking support and developing your leadership skills is so essential.

One commonly overlooked challenge is the shift in relationships. As a peer, you likely had a different dynamic with your team, and now, as their manager, those relationships inevitably change. Navigating this shift can be tricky, especially when balancing the need to maintain professional boundaries while still fostering trust. It’s common to feel the pressure of needing to assert authority while also wanting to remain approachable. Striking the right balance requires careful attention to communication and consistency, ensuring that your team respects your leadership without feeling disconnected from you as a person.

To overcome the challenges that come with stepping into a managerial role, it’s important to focus on both your personal development and the needs of your team. When you invest in building the right skills and approach leadership with empathy and curiosity, you create a foundation for success.

By addressing the areas where first-time managers commonly struggle, you can take intentional steps toward becoming a more effective leader. The following strategies will help you navigate this journey, strengthen your leadership abilities and foster greater engagement within your team.

Related: Stop Trying to Manage Employees Without Understanding Them — How to Build Relationships for Leadership Success

1. Clarify your leadership role and expectations

As a first-time manager, it’s important to fully understand your role and new position. Leadership is more than just managing tasks — it’s guiding your team toward success. Work with your own mentors or leaders to define what leadership looks like in your organization. Understand the behaviors and outcomes that are expected of you and focus on what success in leadership means beyond just completing tasks.

2. Adopt a mindset of curiosity

One of the best things you can do for your team is to stay curious. Ask questions and seek to understand what motivates your team members. Regularly engage them in conversations about their challenges, preferred communication styles and personal goals. These discussions not only help you get to know your team better, but they also foster a culture of trust and engagement. Curiosity builds stronger relationships, and strong relationships lead to better results.

3. Advocate for resources and remove obstacles

Your team’s success is often tied to the tools and resources they have. Take an active role in identifying any barriers that might be standing in the way of your team’s performance. Are there outdated systems or inefficient processes that slow things down? Don’t hesitate to advocate for the changes your team needs to perform at their best. Removing obstacles shows your team that you’re invested in their success.

4. Embrace coaching and continuous learning

High-performance coaching and feedback are essential to your growth as a leader. It’s important to seek out regular feedback from your own mentors or senior leaders. Continuous learning allows you to refine your leadership style and gain new insights. Leadership is not a one-time achievement — it’s a journey, and ongoing coaching will help you navigate it more effectively.

Related: Mentorship Isn’t Enough — Leaders Need Executive Coaching, Too. Here’s Why.

5. Stay connected with your team through regular check-ins

Regular communication is key to successful leadership. Set up frequent check-ins with your team members to understand how they’re doing, what challenges they’re facing and how you can support them. These conversations should go beyond task-related discussions — focus on how they feel and what they need to stay engaged. Regular check-ins build trust and help create a stronger, more motivated team.

Your role as a first-time manager is a critical one, not just for your team but for the overall success of your organization. By prioritizing your own development, seeking support and focusing on building strong relationships with your team, you’ll be well on your way to creating a positive and productive work environment. Leadership is a continuous learning process, but with the right approach, you’ll find that you can create a thriving work environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.