In the early stages of employment, most people are happy just to get experience. As your career progresses however your attention may shift toward becoming a boss. If you’ve been promoted recently and have joined the ranks of management, below are a few things to keep in mind while digesting your new found role.
First, you must come to terms with the fact that things between you and your co-workers will undoubtedly change. Moving up the ladder and into your own office presents not only a physical divide, but also represents a work place division where you may have to assess friends on an objective basis. When you are tasked with the performance of a unit or division, ultimately you must make employment decisions that best suit the goal you are trying to accomplish.
Second, immediately set individual goals for the members of your department. Ideally, a good employee is going to come to you with his goals for the year and you can supplement those goals with your own suggestions. Just as important is setting your own goals for the next year. Management roles often come fraught with challenges and it important that you itemize these challenges and set a plan for meeting department goals.
Third, make sure you get to know the strengths of your individual team members if you do not already. If you came up through the company ranks you may already know the strengths and weaknesses of your team members which will serve as an asset to you and the company. Knowing how to deploy department assets can be the difference between hitting your goals and coming up short.
