5 Things Every New Manager Needs to Do Right Away

You Just Got Promoted—Congrats! Now What? Getting promoted to manager is a big deal. You’ve worked hard to get here, and now it’s your turn to lead. But let’s be real: managing a team is a whole new game, and it’s not as simple as doing more of what got you here. The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out at once. Start with these five moves to set yourself—and your team—up for success.

1. Stop Trying to Do It All Yourself - You’re not a solo act anymore. Your job is to lead the team, not do everyone’s work for them. Learn how to delegate, trust your people, and focus on what moves the needle for the team as a whole.

2. Get to Know Your Team - Don’t just dive into tasks. Take the time to connect. Who’s good at what? What do they need to succeed? Building relationships early shows you care and sets the tone for a team that works together.

3. Be Crystal Clear About What You Expect - No one likes guessing games. Spell out what you expect from your team—what success looks like, deadlines, and goals. Clear expectations mean fewer mistakes and less frustration for everyone.

4. Ask for Feedback (and Actually Listen) - You’re new, and you don’t have all the answers. Ask your team what’s working, what’s not, and how you can help. Being open to feedback builds trust and makes you a better leader.

5. Find Quick Wins - Fix something that’s been broken. Solve a small problem that’s been bugging everyone. These quick wins show your team you mean business and that you’re here to make things better.

Welcome to management—it’s a whole new challenge, but you’ve got this. Focus on these five steps, and you’ll build a strong foundation for long-term success.

Let the fun begin!