Starting Strong: Turning New Manager Status Into an Asset

I can still remember my first day at my first job. I was nervous about proposing any new ideas, and more than anything, I just wanted to fit in. I was young, intimidated, and my only mission was to stay under the radar. As time progressed, I began to see a few ways that my fresh perspective could serve as an asset in our department. At the same time, I didn’t know what I didn’t know, and I quickly learned the importance of asking for help and seeking feedback which helped me navigate early challenges. As a new manager, you bring unique strengths to the table, and in this edition, we’ll explore two key aspects of your new role: embracing fresh ideas and why’s it’s more than okay to ask for help.

A study by Harvard Business Review found that new managers and leaders bring creativity and innovative thinking that disrupts complacency and creates room for transformation. In leadership, there is so much said about transactional leadership versus transformational leadership, and how transformational leadership fosters a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability. Your ability to see things through a different lens can lead to new curiosity and open-mindedness within your team.

Whenever entering a new role, I would ask yourself these two questions:

· What new perspectives do I bring that could drive positive change?

· Am I embracing humility throughout this process?

If you’re stepping into a new managerial role, you were brought in for a reason. One of the most common misconceptions is that you need to have all of the answers. Please remember this: asking for help is not a weakness, it’s a strength. You have the advantage of learning new people, but you can also rely on others for support. This can also exude that you encourage an environment where this is the expectation—that others can collaborate and feel comfortable asking one another for assistance.

The encouraging part of being a new manager is understanding that you don’t need to know everything. This is a great opportunity to introduce new ideas, and asking your team for support can be a complete game-changer. Soon, you’ll be on your way to creating a dynamic and innovating work environment that people will look forward to being a part of.

Call to action: I’d love to hear your thoughts, have you found your new ideas or willingness to ask for help to be a superpower as a new manager? Share your experience with me and I’ll be sure to highlight it in an upcoming edition of Dr. Leah’s Leadership Tips.