How To Assert Authority As A New Manager

Just got promoted? Well, here’s a huge congratulations to you! While being promoted is great and all (more money and power!), truthfully, it has its fair share of troubles as well.  

On the one hand, you must form a good rapport with your team members; on the other, you must establish your authority as the ‘boss’. However, most companies do not usually provide enough management training, so you’re often expected to rise to the occasion. You may also feel slightly uncomfortable in the management role, particularly when overseeing co-workers who used to be your equals. 

Get this: when you become a manager, there are 2 responsibilities you should fulfil: 1. To accomplish whatever work your team is meant to do; 2. To assist your team members to be the best they can be. 

Successful and respected managers never forget that their role is to serve their people, not the other way around. Here are 3 things any new manager should do within the first month of the role. 

#1 Start by solving small problems first

Often, new managers seek to make big changes or solve big problems almost immediately after landing their role. And that’s a newbie mistake that most should avoid.

As you look at your team and see things you would like to change or improve, your best bet is to begin with, a small, measured goal. There are 2 reasons for this. Firstly, you should try understanding every aspect of the role and learn all your direct reports during your first few weeks. Without this knowledge, it’ll be hard for you to proficiently make big changes. 

Secondly, if you were to solve something small and measurable early on, you would prove yourself as a credible leader and problem solver. As time goes on and when you want to tackle something bigger, your team members will most likely be confident that you can get it done. 

#2 Co-opt key colleagues

Wherever you go, there’s probably going to be an individual or two who would become a detractor. Perhaps it’s someone who wanted the managerial role or will most probably reject the big changes you want to make.  

Your best fix here is to ‘co-opt’ them from early on. That includes frequently communicating with them, collecting their input or feedback, and possibly solving a problem. Be patient and never come off as aggressive because if you can get these people on your good side, it will be easier for you to lead the team and make big changes. 

#3 Don’t control and command; seek to inspire

Some managers get authority wrong. They presume their role as someone who gives orders, makes key decisions and strives to do whatever it takes to attain goals. 

Of course, goals and results are crucial, but they can be attained without the “control and command” way. Rather than asserting a dictator stance, offer your team members the necessary context and autonomy, and let them own the ‘how’.  

Don’t breathe down someone’s neck the whole time, either. It shows distrust and insecurity. Instead, seek to mentor and inspire your team members to make their own decisions. Give them your sincere trust and support; they’ll most likely be more motivated to do their best and respect you as their leader. 

The popular saying goes, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Lead and let your team members feel inspired, not dominated and diminished. 

#4 Seek support when you need it

When you just got into your new position, making mistakes is inevitable. Rather than striving to be the ‘perfect’ manager, accept that you don’t know everything just yet, and it will get better with experience and a little support along the way. 

Communicate to your team members about your struggles and ask for their honest feedback on how you’re doing. Show them your desire to learn and improve. In return, they will appreciate your sincerity and efforts as they see that you’re trying. 

Lastly, never hide your mistakes or work hard to avoid uncertainties out of fear, as this will only lead to anxiety and distrust. Instead, be quick to admit your mistakes, learn from the experience, and acknowledge that you still have a long way to go. 

Important Keynote

“Authority is your right to act, but strangely, it's not always easy to use. Just because you have authority, doesn't mean they will follow your orders the way you want them to.” - Todd Dewett from New Manager Foundations. 

Rather, earn authority by respecting your team members and giving them a reason to trust you. Lead with sincerity, care, and kindness, and you will find that your team members will genuinely want to do their best in their jobs.

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