The successful manager is imperfect, but his imperfections are not fatal. The universe won’t stop spinning because you got up on the wrong foot this morning, were unconstructive in a meeting with colleagues, or even less smiling than usual. At the same time, in the manager’s balance, you need to be aware of the 4 risks of manager failure to allow you to continue towards your success!
Whether it’s mainly you or your environment, what can you do?
1- Occupational risks
- You are tailor-made for management, your approach is personalized and balanced, but your current position is impossible to manage and it is a failure. This case often happens when the manager wears several hats. Following power cuts, you find yourself in an impossible context?
- What to do? Reflect honestly and objectively on the position and what is required… Would the best manager succeed? What can you do to improve your situation?
- You have always been competent, balanced, mobilising and perfectly capable, but in your new position, things are different. You feel less solid and you start to ask yourself serious questions about your skills. Be aware that experience gained and success in a previous position does not always guarantee success for the next level.
- What to do? First, make sure you understand what is expected of you. Then, ask yourself if you were really in this promotion or this new position. Take stock of what you’re missing. See how you can bridge the gap between the present state and the desired state.
2- Personal risks
- If you’re a manager, you may simply not be in the right position. You thought you were in the right place, and you’re no longer sure. You didn’t understand the kind of pressure it would bring you, or the pace doesn’t suit you.
- What to do? First, make sure you understand what is expected of you. Then, take stock of what you really want in your professional life, the role that suits you best by taking into account your skills, your potential and your ambitions.
- You may not have all the skills, whether relational, personal or more concrete (time management, delegation, etc.). If this is the case and 1) you are aware of it and 2) you are inclined to improve, you are already one step ahead!
- What to do? Be clear about what you have to develop and get the tools!
Whether it’s mainly you or your environment, learn to position yourself.
To help you, here are two online self-training courses:
1. Manage and Lead: Learn to position yourself according to your management level and adjust your leadership style.
2. Be agile: Assess your agility and understanding of context.
This article on best practices for success in a new position is full of key tips!