Dear Readers,

Welcome to the final edition of our "1st Time Manager" series in The Storyteller newsletter! It’s been an inspiring journey, and we’re grateful to have shared it with you. Over the past several editions, we’ve covered foundational skills that every new manager needs to succeed—from establishing trust and handling conflict to mastering time management and developing emotional intelligence.

As we close out this series, let’s revisit some of the key takeaways and look at additional resources to continue growing in your role. Remember, leadership is a continuous journey, and these skills are just the beginning.

Series Recap: Key Takeaways for New Managers

1. Transitioning from Peer to Manager

   • Takeaway: Moving from a peer to a managerial role requires setting boundaries, communicating openly, and building credibility with former colleagues. Establishing trust early is essential.

   • Action Item: Schedule one-on-one meetings to understand each team member’s goals and concerns, and communicate your expectations clearly.

2. Developing Essential Leadership Skills

   • Takeaway: Strong communication, decision-making, and delegation are core skills for any manager. These skills allow you to guide your team effectively and empower others.

   • Action Item: Create a personal development plan to strengthen your leadership skills and set regular milestones to measure your progress.

3. Building Credibility and Trust

   • Takeaway: Credibility is built over time through consistency, transparency, and empathy. It’s what assures your team that you’re committed to their success.

   • Action Item: Practice open communication and lead by example to build trust. Acknowledge your mistakes, as transparency fosters trust and respect.

4. Managing Performance and Providing Feedback

   • Takeaway: Effective feedback, when balanced with support and encouragement, helps team members improve and grow. This fosters a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

   • Action Item: Schedule regular feedback sessions and focus on providing specific, actionable guidance. Practice the SBI (Situation-Behavior-Impact) model to give clear and constructive feedback.

5. Time Management and Prioritization

   • Takeaway: As a manager, balancing your responsibilities with team oversight is critical. Prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively prevents burnout and increases productivity.

   • Action Item: Use time-blocking techniques and delegate where possible. Regularly review your priorities and make adjustments as needed.

6. Developing Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

   • Takeaway: Emotional intelligence is the cornerstone of effective leadership. Self-awareness, empathy, and social skills allow you to connect with your team on a deeper level, build trust, and inspire them.

   • Action Item: Reflect on your own emotions and reactions, and practice empathy by actively listening to your team members. Make self-reflection a regular habit.

Additional Resources for Continuous Growth

To further support your development, here are some highly recommended resources for ongoing learning:

• Books:

  • "The Making of a Manager" by Julie Zhuo – A practical guide for new managers, full of real-life examples and actionable advice.

  • "Emotional Intelligence 2.0" by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves – Offers strategies and exercises to improve your emotional intelligence.

  • "Radical Candor" by Kim Scott – Focuses on the importance of providing direct, caring feedback that improves team performance.

• TED Talks:

  • “What it Takes to be a Great Leader” by Roselinde Torres – Insights into how great leaders think and evolve with changing environments.

  • “The Power of Vulnerability” by Brené Brown – Highlights how vulnerability is a strength in leadership and team-building.

  • “Why Good Leaders Make You Feel Safe” by Simon Sinek – Discusses how trust and empathy create a foundation for effective leadership.

• Online Courses and Certifications:

  • Coursera’s Foundations of Leadership Series – Offers introductory courses on leadership skills, communication, and emotional intelligence.

  • LinkedIn Learning: Becoming a Manager – Includes several beginner-to-intermediate level courses on management essentials and soft skills for first-time managers.

Encouraging Self-Reflection and Continuous Learning

As you move forward in your leadership journey, remember that growth doesn’t stop here. Regular self-reflection is key to understanding your progress, identifying areas for improvement, and setting new goals. Consider these reflective questions as part of your development process:

• What strengths and weaknesses have you discovered in yourself as a manager?

• How has your understanding of your team’s needs evolved since you began this role?

• What actions have had the most positive impact on your team?

• Which areas would you like to improve upon?

Embrace every opportunity for growth and stay curious about new ways to improve. Leadership is an ever-evolving skill, and your commitment to learning will empower you to lead with confidence and empathy.

Thank You for Being Part of This Journey

We’re grateful for your engagement throughout the "1st Time Manager" series. Whether you’re just stepping into management or refining your leadership approach, we hope these insights have equipped you with valuable skills and perspectives to help you lead with purpose and empathy.

Stay tuned for more content from The Storyteller as we continue exploring topics to support your leadership journey. If you’d like to dive deeper into any of these areas or have further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for being part of The Storyteller community. Let’s continue growing together!

Warm regards,

DeWayne Allen 
The StoryTeller
www.demalo-ent.com