A Combination of The Two: Tips for First Time Managers.

I guess, you have read through the post of last week, here, on which it was crystal clear that leading a business should be the preferred choice, for entrepreneurs or would be entrepreneurs, to managing it. In other words, in business, to be a leader far outclass being a manager, in performance and productivity scale. One very important point was the fact that, a good leader is a combination of leading and managing effectively and efficiently - a combination of the two. In lieu of that, this post focuses on leadership tips for first time managers. By reason of the nature of the job or position, one may be taken as a manager, but turning that into a leadership role or duty is something that should be very helpful in increasing efficiency as a manager. If this is true, then this post is for you. Yes, I mean just for you!

There are no best or most successful leadership tips for everybody, no one-size-fits-all, not at all. However, there are some highly effective tips that seem to work for most entrepreneurs or those involve in the management of a business firm. The master package of all tips or just tips that could work for you, yes, I mean just for you? Here is a list of what you should purpose and practice daily or as a routine:

1. Accepting that there is still much to learn - You may be an expert in your field, but accepting that there still much you need to learn and opening up to learn such, is one of the greatest attribute you should possess. It is possible that you may lack self-confidence to lead though you may have worked so hard to earn the managerial position, thus, be willing to learn from just anyone you can learn from.
2. Communicating clearly and get feedback - As a manager, you will need to communicate clearly to establish your credibility and thus gain full support of your team. Try making your team well informed of all priorities, project goals and possible deadlines, providing clear direction, while at the same time welcoming suggestions and feedback, from time to time.
3. Encouraging feedback and suggestions - It is not always smooth to get feedback from your team as many employees often do not want to be target of the boss/manager, so, you got to push for it politely. From the onset, prove to your team that you have an open door policy and that their suggestions and observations are equally vital for the success of the team as a whole.
4. Leading as an example to your team - Do not be the leader who preaches one thing and practices a different thing, entirely. Always demand from yourself the same level of professionalism and diligence that you require from your team. If you want them not to lift their shoes on the desk, don't do so even if you are alone and has nothing to do.
5. Offering recognition to whomever that is due - This is something that not only build up confidence in your team but also give room for quality future contributions and efforts from team members. You can do this on a day-to-day basis, right on the spot whenever you see something done well by your employee of member of your team. Find out how best you can recognize and reward such employees and efforts. 
6. Becoming decisive in every matter arising - It is a common phenomenon that good leaders are people who make decisions and stick to them! Your team members may loose confidence in you as a manager should you vacillate or change often decisions that have been made or agreed upon, especially when your decision was made based on facts presented in their feedback and suggestions which you encouraged them to do in the first place.
7. Helping your team to see the big picture - Make sure you take some time out to share with your team or employees how their tasks, no matter what it is, fit into the big picture - that is the strategic goal and overall objective of the company and the team as a whole.
8. Creating an environment for constant learning - You have got to include yourself in this step. Create the environment of learning by encouraging your team members to research and use try new methods of achieving individual and corporate goals, showing them that there is no task too small in achieving the overall objectives of the team and company, over all.
9. Providing professional guidance from time to time - The fact is, a good leader or manager is often a good mentor or role model to team members or employees. Do your best to make yourself available to your team, showing them that you are highly interested in their career development and personal growth on your job. The great power of positive reinforcement is something that a manager should not overlook.
10. Developing yourself with patience as a virtue to uphold - It is true that there may be real difficulties on the path to success, thus, be patient with yourself, and when you fall or fail, rise again and again, until you have become a master of what you have to do. Developing managerial skills takes time, so seek guidance from colleagues, your professional network and even your team when you need it most.

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