“Management is the opportunity to help people become better people. Practiced that way, it’s a magnificent profession.” – Clayton M. Christensen
Congratulations! Your hard work has paid off, and you are stepping into management. It’s a thrilling and nerve-wracking experience all rolled into one. On the one hand, you’ve demonstrated your skills and competence, propelling you up the career ladder. On the other hand, management requires a completely different skill set that will take time to master. It’s widely acknowledged as one of the most challenging professional transitions, even for seasoned managers.
Navigating this transition and excelling in your new role entails a shift in mindset regarding your work and professional identity. Moving from an individual contributor to a manager demands time and may challenge many of the approaches that led to your promotion. Some of the same tactics that contributed to your previous success may now hinder your effectiveness as a manager.
To support you on this transformative journey, Here are seven ways your mindset needs to evolve as you embrace the role and thrive as a manager.
From Doing to Delegating
As an individual contributor, you were the go-to expert who got things done, which undoubtedly played a role in your promotion. However, as a manager, your primary responsibility is to achieve results through others. Delegation becomes a vital skill to master. Not only must you delegate tasks to accomplish goals, but you must also ensure that your team members are assigned work that nurtures their skill development. Initially, many new managers struggle with delegation because they haven’t let go of the mindset that propelled their success as individual contributors.
Tip: Revamp your to-do list. Concentrate on tasks only you, as a manager, can fulfill, such as setting expectations, coaching your team, and providing follow-up. Select tasks to delegate to your team members, aligning their strengths with their responsibilities. Remember, no one else on your team can perform the managerial duties that fall solely on your shoulders.
From One Way to Many Ways
Initially, it can be disheartening to realize that your way is not the only way and that being a successful manager doesn’t mean having the only correct answer. A prosperous manager embraces diverse ideas and approaches, leaving the specifics of task accomplishment to the individual contributors. Transitioning from a mindset fixated on one right answer to embracing multiple right answers characterizes an effective manager.
Tip: Focus on communicating the “what” of a project and defining the goal. Allow your team members to determine how they will achieve the milestones along the way. This approach fosters a happier team and enhances your success.
From Solving Problems to Anticipating Problems
As a manager, your role in problem-solving shifts. Instead of solely relying on your performance and delivery, your success now hinges on your ability to help your team members solve their problems. This shift entails actively anticipating potential obstacles, eliminating roadblocks, and facilitating an environment that empowers your direct reports to succeed.
Tip: As a manager, you participate in higher-level meetings, gaining insights into stakeholders, other teams, and organizational changes. Share this information with your team as much as possible to help them prepare for what lies ahead.
From Defined to Ambiguous
Before assuming a managerial position, you likely faced clearly defined challenges you could conquer and deliver upon. These challenges typically revolved around tasks you could handle effectively. However, as a manager, you encounter more ambiguous and messy challenges. Whether dealing with people issues, skill gaps, or unprecedented tasks, you operate in shades of gray. Individual contributors look to managers for guidance when no clear outcome exists.
Tip: Stay open to flexibility and continuous learning. Often, the answers you seek are not within you or your department and may be difficult to find. Seek and utilize available resources, such as HR, fellow managers, and mentors, and learn from how others have tackled similar problems in the past.
From Friend to Friendly
Friendships commonly form in the workplace, but managers must tread carefully. As a manager, you must be able to make unpopular decisions while ensuring your team respects your objectivity. It’s crucial to establish clear boundaries between your public and private personas. Whether at the office or out with your team after work, remember that you are still their manager, and your role carries authority. While you can be friendly, be cautious about developing overly strong friendships.
Tip: Recognize that you may experience a sense of loss, especially when working with former peers. As a manager, you serve as an agent of the organization, and that’s what you’re paid to do. Cultivate friendships with other managers and make an effort to network with professionals in your industry to foster rewarding professional relationships.
From Success for Self to Success for Others
As an individual contributor, you reveled in the personal rewards of your achievements. However, as a manager, success is no longer defined solely by your individual efforts but by the accomplishments of your team members. Your focus must shift to recognizing and celebrating their successes.
Look for opportunities to acknowledge when someone does something right, provide positive feedback, and support your team’s strengths. Make sure your promises to your team are realistic and achievable, avoiding over-commitment.
Tip: Make delivering positive feedback a deliberate and integral part of your daily routine. People respond best to feedback when the positive outweighs the negative. By consistently recognizing what has gone right, you cultivate an environment where addressing mistakes becomes more manageable.
From Agenda Doer to Agenda Setter
As an individual contributor, your primary responsibility was to fulfill assigned tasks. However, as a manager, you are now responsible for setting the agenda, not just focusing on select items that concern you. Managers must prioritize and allocate time and attention to keep projects moving forward. They must also remain attentive to the organization’s political climate. Smartly navigating when and how to advance initiatives becomes crucial.
Tip: Keep the client in mind. Align your team’s work strategically with your client’s needs to bring clarity to your plan. Prioritize work and remember that you are no longer the expert doer. You can’t do it all, given your limited time.
As you move into your new role, embracing new mindsets is the key to becoming an exceptional leader in the nonprofit sector.
When you navigate this new terrain, remember that success lies in empowering your team, embracing diverse perspectives, and anticipating challenges before they arise. Let go of the notion that there’s only one right way and instead foster an environment that encourages innovation and collaboration. Remember, your role is no longer just about ticking off tasks on your to-do list. It’s about setting the agenda, supporting your team’s growth, and celebrating their achievements.
So, anchor yourself in the manager’s mindset, be open to ambiguity, and cultivate meaningful professional relationships. As you lead with purpose and prioritize your team’s success, you’ll find yourself making a lasting impact in the nonprofit world. Embrace the challenges, remain adaptable, and never stop learning. Here’s to your continued growth as a remarkable nonprofit manager—may your journey be filled with fulfillment, growth, and countless moments of success!
