4 common mistakes new leaders make

1. Act before you understand how things work

If you think that the first thing you need to do in a new place is to change everything, slow down. Yes, improving the team's work and offering a new perspective is among your tasks. But if you start to ignore the advice of those who have been with the company for a long time, you will turn everyone against you. And in general, without knowing the context, it will be difficult for you to make good decisions.

Of course, you don't need to collect a whole commission to solve every little thing. But when it comes to big changes, act gradually and listen to others. Ask the team for feedback and be clear about your intentions.

2. Talking about old jobs constantly

If you often repeat the phrase "But at the old job we …", you may be trying to show yourself in a favorable light, referring to past victories. Or you just want to feel more comfortable, because in a new place it’s hard for everyone at first.

But your new team is unlikely to appreciate it. It is important for her not what you did before, but whether you are ready to adapt to new conditions.

Employees want to know if you can manage them competently, given their unique skills and qualities.

So try not to dwell on the past. Yes, you have achieved something important in your previous job, but you have new victories ahead with your new team. Focus on them.

3. Sit out in your office

If you are always behind a closed door or behind a monitor screen, it may seem that you do not care about employees. Do not limit yourself to the phrase that you can always be contacted with questions. It can be downright scary for employees to come to a new manager's office.

Naturally, sometimes you need to work behind a closed door in silence, but don't let it be a barrier between you and your team members.

Keep your door open often, or drop by employees every few hours.

If you work in an open-plan office, do not sit with headphones on all day and try to sit closer to the team. Conduct weekly meetings with direct reports so they know they always have the opportunity to talk to you.

4. Believe that you do not need to understand the work of employees

Some believe that a leader's job is only to tell others what to do. Of course, you do not need to know every little thing, but just waiting for the instructions to be completed is not enough. If you do not understand what exactly employees do and how they approach work, you will not be able to evaluate their work and improve the processes in the company.

Talk to each person to find out what they are doing, their current challenges, and how their objectives relate to the goals of the entire team. For example, you can ask the following questions:

Are there any difficulties right now that are hindering your productivity?
What changes can be made to make life easier for the whole team?
What is the most convenient way for you to receive feedback?
How can I support you in your work?
What do you like most about your job?

It will be easier for you to manage the activities of the team if you know the strengths and weaknesses of each of its members, understand what methods of communication they prefer. And employees will be more motivated if they feel that you care about them and their success.