Becoming a boss for the first time is both a huge accomplishment and career transition. First things first…
Take a deep breath. You did it! You are deserving of this role and are capable of managing a team and empowering those around you. Give yourself some credit and recognize the skills you demonstrated to get you where you are today.
Take a step back. It is important to ask yourself important questions and reflect on what it means to be a leader. Ask yourself:
- How can I promote a positive work culture?
- How can I build trust with and between my coworkers?
- What is the best way to address difficult situations?
- When should I ask for and give feedback?
We are here to promote self-reflection and help you answer some of these questions with 3 KEY tips.
1) Eliminate blame culture and reinforce the importance of consistent feedback.
It can seem easier to give in to blame culture as opposed to approaching issues thoughtfully. Instead of pointing fingers, it helps to analyze each situation. Depending on how you have handled frustration and anger in the past, it may initially be difficult to look at a problem with a broader lens. Rather than damaging a relationship you have with a coworker or someone who works under you, understand the notion that everyone is still learning. Humans are programmed to place blame, but actively using mistakes as opportunities for growth rather than for pointing fingers is a great way to promote a positive work environment.
That being said, it is also important to consistently provide and ask for feedback as a leader. Feedback promotes transparency throughout an entire team and also gives everyone a chance to address both what others are doing well and recognize where there is room for overall improvement. Organizing weekly or bi-weekly meetings to check in on any challenges your team is facing and see how you can improve as a boss make all the difference in quality of work and meeting expectations.
2) Create team rituals and focus in on your leadership skills.
Creating different team rituals – whether through virtual meetings or in-person events – can help establish a welcoming community, as well as bring your team together to discuss things that are not work related. Discussing weekend plans, roses and thorns, or even new shows coworkers are watching can help people relate to one another and learn more about each other. Creating this tight-knit community can enhance the overall workflow of your team.
3) Find a mentor.
You are more likely than not experiencing problems that others have already faced before. It can be helpful to learn from others mistakes before making them yourself. Finding a mentor is something that we at Skye especially find a lot of value in, as we believe vetted and qualified coaches can accelerate personal and professional development. Learn more about coaching and find your own mentor here.
