One of the most difficult transitions between leaving your intern days behind and climbing up the corporate ladder is taking on more responsibility and managing down. While you were once only worried about handling your work throughout the day, you also have to begin thinking about what others are doing and if they are doing their job appropriately. Being a great manager doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s something that I plan on working on in the next several months. Below are a few tips I’ve taken into consideration as I begin to manage others.
Lead by example – Think about your managers. What do you like about their managerial skills and what do you wish they would improve on? Act the way that you would like your manager to act and take charge when necessary. Assure that client work is priority and address issues head-on to overcome roadblocks.
Focus on strengths, not weaknesses – Are you finding weaknesses in your coworker? Instead of consistently massaging their weakness, harness their strengths. Not everyone is going to be good at every task.
Treat others as you would like to be treated - This is number one in my book. Speak to others as you would like to be spoken to. Keep communication professional and respectful while also being understanding. Be reasonable when assigning tasks and don’t wear out your coworker.
What do you find is the hardest part of managing down?
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When managing others I found one of the most difficult parts to be appropriately dealing with criticism. As a manager it is normal for others to criticize you and your managing style but deciphering what parts of this criticism may be true and working on it within yourself can make you a better manager, even though it may be hard to stay objective.
Thanks for the tips! As a PR student I find your blog very helpful.
As a manager , it’s hard gaining respect from those once called peers and now managing. Maintaining that friendship/co-worker relationship and still having to manage and train them it’s quite challenging. This post is very helpful and gives me hope. I will incorporate it into my managing techniques. Love it!!!