Rookie managers, like rookie athletes and rookie couples, often times need help, or at least a mentor.
I once started a new job at a company that will remain nameless, but while sifting through some files from a previous manager, found an article from the Harvard Business Review titled Saving Your Rookie Managers From Themselves. Originally, I smirked to myself, thinking it would not be too hard to replace him/her. But after a second I wondered if this manager had searched for this article on Google, or if someone gave this employee a nudge and placed it on his/her desk. My smirking quickly turned to empathy.
It’s Easy to Get a Title as a Manager, it’s Difficult to be a True Leader
I think it’s important to understand that it’s easy to get a Manager’s title, but it’s not so easy to be a Manager, a real leader.
Let’s rewind into how a manager is usually promoted or hired. Often times, it’s based on their work ethic and ability to complete tasks well. Not necessarily their ability or potential to lead people. And more times than not, the newly crowned manager is overwhelmed, because not only do they have to complete tasks and take orders, they now have to give out tasks, create project plans, interview, hire, and potentially fire.
