6 Mistakes That Can Hold You Back From Becoming a Great Manager

1. Going on an ego trip

It can be tempting to lead from a position of power once you become a manager. Falling into this trap is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when you become a leader.

Holding a higher position can make anyone go on a power trip. It is easy to start thinking that everyone should follow your lead without question and that you can never make a mistake.

And even if you make mistakes, you may harbor the idea that you don’t need to own up to them.

Keep in mind that nothing can affect an employee’s motivation and morale faster than an ego trip. As such, always demonstrate humility, engage with your team members, and take responsibility when you make a mistake.

All these will help you become a better leader and win you the support of your team members and colleagues.

2. Failing to value your team members

Undervaluing team members is a mistake that many first-time managers tend to make.

Even if you are not going on a power trip, you may still forget the value of your subordinates. You may start seeing them as unimportant for the company and replaceable.

If you want to be an excellent leader, you have to treat your team members as worthy colleagues or business partners — people who will work with you to meet all company goals.

Aside from showing your appreciation to your team members regularly, let them know that you value them by investing in training, coaching, and mentoring opportunities. Also, recognize their specific skills, strengths, and aspirations, and utilize them for the betterment of the company.

3. Making promises you can’t keep

In an effort to please their team members and demonstrate that they are good leaders, many first-time managers tend to make numerous, over-the-top promises. However, this is another rookie mistake that will do nothing good for your career and goals.

Promising something to your subordinates and failing to follow through can demoralize them to the point that they will start becoming less productive and reliable. They will likely lose their trust in you as well.

If you want to promise something to your team members, make sure it is something you can deliver.

Additionally, be realistic with the timeframe you give. Provide a period that will allow you to work out your plan and follow through with your assurances.

4. Not setting boundaries

Although you need to learn to be a “people person” when you become a manager, it does not mean that you should get extremely friendly with your team members. Being too chummy with your team members won’t help you be an effective leader.

Once you become overly familiar with your subordinates, boundaries can become blurred and the chain of command will crumble.

Moreover, you could end up compromising your integrity when you become too friendly with your subordinates.

Great leaders know how to balance friendliness with professionalism. This is something that you have to learn to do once you hold a managerial position.

5. Forgetting to set clear-cut goals

Another mistake that new managers tend to make is failing to establish and share goals that the entire department or team needs to achieve.

This huge mistake can cause you to fail in your new position within a short amount of time.

If you want to be an effective leader and lead a successful team, one of the first things you have to do is write down the goals you want to achieve with your subordinates. Be as specific as possible and, more importantly, discuss these with your members.

When your members understand your vision, you will get them on board with your plans easier. Moreover, you will encounter fewer challenges in motivating them to work together and do their best to achieve the established goals.

6. Failing to grow as a leader

Lastly, although you are a manager now, it does not mean that you are at the top. There are still higher rungs you can climb in the career ladder.

Because of this, continue growing and learning. Avoid being content with the skills, knowledge, and position you have now.

Learn new skills that will help you become a better worker and manager. If you want to learn the ins and outs of a particular computer program or marketing trend, enroll in the right course, and do some self-study.

If you want to become a more effective manager, taking up a leadership training course in Abu Dhabi can help you.

Moreover, continue working on your soft skills so that your team members will continue to trust you and see you as an excellent leader.