Wow, so you’ve been promoted to a manager – how exciting! You have a team of your colleagues now reporting up to you, and you’re really jazzed about the chance to have more of an impact on others within your company. Your head is just buzzing with new ideas and projects that can really contribute to the company and you can’t wait to get started!
That’s fantastic! And, what a high it is. But if you’re anything like me, soon after the high comes the low.
I’ve never done this.
What if I really screw this up?
Do I really deserve this position?
You went from feeling like a hero, to envisioning yourself walking out of the building with a box in tow and your daughter’s picture frame sliding off the top, crashing onto the pavement below.
Building confidence for yourself, especially as a new manager, can be so important for how you carry out the position.
Maybe you’re naturally pessimistic, or maybe you’re afraid to get too high in the clouds due to what may come after. No matter the source of your self-doubt, it’s imperative to work on that.
You’re not going to have everything figured out about yourself in a day, but you can put in a lot of time and effort to make sure you see yourself as the jewel that you are.
Remember, they chose you for this position for a reason – and surely it’s because they have confidence in you to get the job done well.
So now, let’s work on your own confidence. Here are 5 Ways to Build Confidence as a New Manager.
Find your Inspiration.
- First off, what is your inspiration?
- What quote, song, or podcast really gets you feeling like you’re a champ?
Figure out what makes you feel invincible and ready to take on the world, and then, surround yourself with that.
Keep that quote posted where you can visit it often. Make sure that song is easily accessible, and play it every morning if you have to. And, keep on top of new episodes of that podcast.
It’s ok if this is your little secret – in fact, it’s better that way. You don’t need anyone else’s negativity dampening your mojo.
Chat with Other Managers.
It helps to know you’re in good company when you’re just starting out as a manager. Whether within the same company or outside of your company, speak to people in your network who are new managers themselves, or have been doing it for a few years and can offer advice on the “early years”.
Someone who works (or has worked) at the same company can offer insights into things they experienced, like, for example, that VP coming down hard on you may just be like that with everyone. Other managers can also mentor and help you with some of what you’re going through.
It may also be a good idea to search for a cohort in your area that you can join for monthly calls, to bond with others in the trenches, as well. It helps to build your confidence when you can clearly see you’re not in this alone.
Dress the Part.
Especially on the days you’re feeling low, it does some good to spruce yourself up a bit.
Gradually change your wardrobe away from so much casual dress, and invest in some quality shirts or blouses and trousers. When you dress the part, you play tricks on your mind (in a good way, of course).
You deserve the position, and if you dress in the manner in which you’ve observed and admired others in similar positions, it can make you feel that you’re really “one of them” (which, you are!).
Don’t break the bank on this one, as a few small changes go a long way.
Recognise Imposter Syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is a real thing, and often happens to individuals that feel they are an “imposter”, and do not belong in their position/at their company/in their field, etc. The list goes on.
Basically, if you’re having self doubts that a major mistake was made when they gave you the title of “Manager”, this may be a trap you’re falling into.
You are not an imposter, but I understand that it can be easy to believe that piece of fiction in reflection of yourself. When you find yourself thinking like this, stop, and take a step back.
Remind yourself this is just self-doubt creeping in, and make true efforts to address them.
Recognise you’re human.
You’re not perfect.
There, I said it.
In being not-so-perfect, it means you will make mistakes.
You are going to do things in your position that may leave you with your head in your hands, wondering why you said what you did, or if your approach to the big project was the right one. That’s normal.
You are allowed to make mistakes and you are allowed to learn from them. Be kind to yourself and remember that you are human.
It’s easy to beat yourself up and feel like you’re ‘struggling’ to be a good manager, but have some empathy for yourself and remind yourself that you are the right one for the job!
© Human Resources Global
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