Worst mistakes a new manager can make

I've been an IC for 8 years now with experience in some big tech companies, and just over a year ago joined a startup that's scaled massively. I've never missed a yearly quota in any company, and will finish this FY with the startup on 200%+.

I've been working with a lot of different directors and leaders, and even our CRO for the the guts of 9 months now on my development towards becoming a manager and it's pretty much just waiting for a role to come up in Q1 at this stage. 

I'm pretty hyped, I'm doing some coaching with reps in other regions and love seeing them do well especially when it's deals I've support on. I think I'm pretty well suited to the role.

My question is what's the worst mistakes you've seen people in my position make when they move into management? 

Preemptively wondering what could go wrong.. 
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18
antiASKHOLE
Tycoon
11
Bravado's Resident Asshole
don't micromanage and don't play buddy buddy.
Wellss
Tycoon
5
Channel sales
Took the words right out of my mouth. Also remember to put yourself back in their shoes every now and again and think how you would like certain scenarios to be handled
Maximas
Tycoon
0
Senior Sales Executive
Agree.
jefe
Arsonist
4
🍁
Awww that's what I was going to say!
Mobi85
Politicker
3
Regional Sales Manager
well that pretty much hits the nail on the head.

I would also include being as transparent as possible and include in the "why" when explaining some change within the organization. There is nothing more infuriating when a change happens and it is supposed to just be accepted and there is no explanation as to why that change may be happening.
LordOfWar
Tycoon
1
Blow it up
+1 for this timeless advice
Diablo
Politicker
3
Sr. AE
100% endorse to what antiaskhole said. Being an IC yourself, you wouldn’t be comfortable sometime sitting on your head all the time so micromanagement really sucks. Also, always have feedback for your reps - good, bad anything. This gives them an opportunity to excel on the areas they are good at and improve on the areas they are not good at.
Rallier
Politicker
3
SDR Manager and Consultant
One of the biggest mistakes I made was thinking I had to know the answer to everything right away. It's okay to not know things
TennisandSales
Politicker
3
Head Of Sales
i think the worst thing you can do is try to act like you are better than your reps.

Your reps dont work for you, you work for them. your job is to help them get better and make their job easier.

dont forget that.
harleyfatboy
Opinionated
2
Sales Director
Ensure you are 100% honest, don’t play favorites, be transparent, have a high moral and ethical compass… people will behave and act like their managers - set the right example. Also - when u see performance issues or you can spot coach - take the opportunity to address it… good luck
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
1
Sales Rep
Not willing to push back on leadership, lots of times new managers will push over with their leadership causing their reps to have unrealistic goals
Arzola
Valued Contributor
1
Business administration
I think the biggest mistake is forgetting that not everyone is you, since many managers expect all their staff to act like them and no, you should let them do things their way and monitor their development and intervene when required, it is difficult to delegate but with time you get used to it
Pachacuti
Politicker
1
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
I think that simply understanding that your relationships are going to be different. You won’t be invited to certain events, included in others you previously were a part of.
Agiannini
1
Underwriter associate
Not bringing someone up with you. Managers are great by the staff who support them. You will need someone to replace your old role. I was always taught that if the company loses money or people from your promotion than you didn’t do it right.
LordOfWar
Tycoon
0
Blow it up
This is my struggle now, I am managing but have no one yet able to replace the role I was doing 12 months ago so I'm pulling double duty.
Agiannini
1
Underwriter associate
Yeah, that’s a nightmare scenario. This is where outside recruiting and referrals are helpful. Even helping your company by looking for candidates in LinkedIn and reaching out to them and then connecting them with the hiring manager shows them your initiative and that you are ready to be in that role.
LordOfWar
Tycoon
0
Blow it up
I have an HR company but they are sending shit candidates. I'm almost fed up answering their calls and emails because I know it is a waste of time.
VFG
Good Citizen
1
SDR
Not doing your job, which is to train and develop sales talent that can deliver on their quotas.

Many new managers are hungry for approval from upper management, and so they focus on doing what will look immediately good to them. This often means pestering their reps to make more calls and send more emails.
LordOfWar
Tycoon
1
Blow it up
Yes, and learn what works for each rep. Everyone is different and no one likes a new boss coming in and making them change up how they do things if its already working decently for them. Small tweaks can go a long way.
LordOfWar
Tycoon
1
Blow it up
Don't assume you know everything, also don't assume they don't know anything. Be open to mentoring them but not pushy. Ask what they need help with to achieve their goals.

Ask them what they want out of the role, and what growth they envision. Help them reach their career goals and they will love you for it.

Sell their success to your management, not your own success.

If you have to criticize, use the shit sandwich method:
1. List something they do well.
2. Explain what they struggle with and how they can improve.
3. List another thing they are doing well or a recent accomplishment.

This prevents them from leaving the meeting deflated and demoralized, instead it should leave them wanting to improve and motivated to succeed.
SalesRobot
Politicker
1
Sage
Congratulations on your success as a salesperson and on your upcoming promotion to manager!

One of the biggest mistakes that I have seen new managers make is trying to micromanage their team. It's natural to want to be involved in every deal and to have a hand in everything that's going on, but it's important to remember that you are now a leader, not just an individual contributor. Your job is to guide and support your team, not to do all the work yourself.

Another common mistake is not giving your team enough autonomy. Trust your team members to do their jobs and make decisions on their own. If you try to control everything, you will stifle their creativity and ability to innovate.

It's also important to remember that, as a manager, you are now a role model for your team. Your actions and decisions will have a much bigger impact than they did as an individual contributor. Be sure to set a good example and lead by example in everything you do.

Finally, be prepared for the fact that being a manager can be a lonely job at times. You will have to make tough decisions and bear the responsibility for the success or failure of your team. It's important to have a strong support system and to seek out advice and guidance from experienced managers.

I hope this advice is helpful. Best of luck in your new role as a manager!
tomke
Big Shot
0
Strategic Account Manager
Simple. Don't move to management!
draculina
Fire Starter
0
process development specialist
Not protecting your team whenever you can. You cannot let everyone walk over them, or step back when they ask for support. <br><br>also, not rewarding good performers. If you’re overloading someone with responsibilities, make sure to financially appreciate them as well (bonus, promotions whatever). <br><br>Your employees aren’t your enemies. Be transparent, and be supportive.
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