New Manager

Xelene · 8 Sep 2011 at 16:09

So I've been hired to look after a team that has never had a Manager before, and I'm coming in from outside the Business so don't have any real ideas of the day to day business. I'm pretty nervous about the whole situation as it's quite new to me. Any tips? I've generally acted as a tech team lead until now.

Xelene · 8 Sep 2011 at 16:40

Maximum Triceratops said:
Be friendly, dont make any drastic changes and learrn how things operate as quick as you can, this will enable you to manage it properly.

Gilly said:
It'll be easier than you man aging people you were level with previously, mark my words!

Just don't be a ****, but equally don't be a pushover

simulatorman said:
How big is this team, what do they do?

Have a get together where they give you a presentation on what they are doing and future plans followed by a drink/meal to get to know them. Talk to your peers.

Thanks for the good tips, this is pretty much what i've read before. Have been a well respected team lead before, but that's on the strength of my technical ability and understanding of the business so coming into somewhere new is a challenge.

I'm pretty laid back, and pretty hands on - and I guess understanding of the fact not to throw massive change at the team or make them worried about their jobs from day one.

Edit: There's about 4 of them I think, a couple of Sysadmins and a couple of Programmers.

Xelene · 8 Sep 2011 at 16:52

The thing is there is a huge amount of change going on in the organisation, and they brought me in for my experience and ideas of specific parts and processes that they want to change to. I guess it has to be a long term goal, and a balance between change and staying the same way.

I think i'll have to spend the early time reassuring and measuring things, but put in a long time goal of aligning things towards what I was hired to do.

Xelene · 8 Sep 2011 at 16:53

TFleming said:
Do external research - read up on the sector you're working in. Take each employee to the side and have an informal chat about what they like/dislike and how they think things could be improved. Establish a workplace where employees feel they can come to you with any work related problems, this might help you get a better feel for the culture of the team. Don't make huge changes straight away. Make sure they are all well aware of any changes that are incoming.

I think i'm okay on this side, really it's just the initial couple of weeks and impressions i'm nervous about.

Xelene · 8 Sep 2011 at 16:58

Gilly said:
Who wants to be feared as a boss?

I'm respected. Like a boss.

The best bosses i've ever had, i've respected and liked. I'll try to emulate them.

Xelene · 8 Sep 2011 at 19:57

Thanks (almost) everyone for the good advice. I'm feeling a bit more confident about things, and hopefully will be a good manager for both my team and the business.

Edit: I asked my old boss for some advice, and he's going to give me an hour or two coaching and advice tomorrow which is great. He was well respected by everyone in the team and effective working with his peer group so that's going to help a lot.

Xelene · 8 Sep 2011 at 20:38

Snograt said:
Hmm, is your name Jen Barber, perchance?

It could be if you slip me a fiver.