New Management Job? Congratulations! Now Get to Work.

July 24, 2017 in Career and Job Search Tips

 

Landing a new management job is a cause for great celebration.

You’ve undoubtedly worked extremely hard to achieve this next step in your career: putting in long hours, taking on extra work, and doing anything necessary to exceed your objectives. So, toss a little confetti in the air and bask in the glory of your accomplishment.

But don’t bask too long.

Statistics in this Entrepreneur.com post estimate new manager failure rates between 50 and 60 percent in the first 24 months. So, if you’re a first-time food & beverage manager, how can you ensure your celebration isn’t short-lived?

Use these success tips to get off on the right foot with direct reports and senior management at your new employer:

Build a solid work relationship with your boss.

Meet with your manager to discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with your position – as well as the entire organization. Get clarity on their expectations for your first few months on the job. Doing so will strengthen your connection and build a solid foundation for open, honest communication. Recommended topics include:

  • your department’s (and the organization’s) current business situation;
  • goals and measurements for success;
  • ways to work best together;
  • who and what is important to your success;
  • resources you will need to do your job;
  • how to simultaneously pursue your personal, professional and company’s departmental goals.

Meet with direct reports individually and as a group.

If your team is large, it may be more practical to meet as a group first. Regardless of the order:

  • Hold brief, one-on-one meetings to introduce yourself, get a quick read on your staff, and begin developing rapport.
  • Share your short-term objectives for the department and describe employees’ roles in meeting them.
  • Set the stage for productive meetings by: starting on-time; getting group buy-in on meeting norms; sticking to a clear agenda; and fostering respectful discussion.

Be accountable.

As a manager, you are ultimately responsible for your team members’ actions and results. While it can be tempting to point fingers at your employees when your boss is breathing down your neck, resist the urge. Shirking responsibility only makes you look reactive, self-serving and untrustworthy. When an employee disappoints or defies you, hold yourself accountable. It sends a clear message to direct reports that they must do the same.

Focus on being respected (not just liked).

From a young age, people are indoctrinated with the importance of likeability. This is an important personal characteristic, but approval-seeking behavior can be incredibly limiting to new managers. While it’s possible for you to be both respected and liked as a manager, focus on developing your professional persona first. Doing so will allow you to create a clear distinction between who you are as a person and as a manager – making it easier to make tough business decisions.

Looking for more success strategies in your new management job?

Read these earlier posts:

Your First 90 Days: Tactics for Success in Your New Food & Beverage Position

Your First 90 Days: You May Actually Know It All, but Should You Show It?

Kinsa is In Your Corner

We want to ensure you find the ideal food & beverage opportunity, thrive in your new management role, and attain your professional goals. Get started with Kinsa today or search food & beverage executive and professional jobs here.