You've Become a Manager for a Reason

Dumb luck didn't put you into a managerial position. You've been good in the job, but you would go the extra mile. And your superiors see how you really love the job. You've been promoted, as you stuck into a new position. You can't get out without finding out your worth. Becoming a manager brings you to a higher level, where you must learn a new set of skills.

There will be days when you'll be the first to arrive at the office, and the last to leave it. This routine will make you tiresome after some time, but you're no longer one of the employees of the company. As a matter of fact, you're not any employee. Your self belief will be tested many times, which is expected in any managerial job. After all, business strategy, organization development, and team building will come into play here. Bossing isn't cool and effortless as some Hollywood films would want to convey to the audience. There's more at stake here, and you must be aware of it during your first month in this (new) position.

What a Good Manager Should Do

An enthusiastic manager can outpace anyone. You may be the most qualified candidate for the managerial role, but you won't last if you don't show enthusiasm. This trait will enable you to learn fast. It can be infectious to anyone, resulting to (good) teamwork. It will let you handle the long hours without the gripe.

A good manager is a good decision maker. You need to watch the reruns of "The Apprentice" to know this aspect of being a manager. You don't have to think out of the box, but this creative side can be an advantage in an advertising firm. You should be able to look at all the angles, even know your team's opinion. You must include your boss(es) and peers. And don't forget external stakeholders. It will be a long, sometimes difficult, process, but this is the only way to arrive at a good decision.

A manager must be able to earn the respect of his peers, even be sensitive to their feelings. You must show that you're able to lead them. It can take some time, as respect is earned after a series of good decisions. Moreover, you must be able to master a bunch of tricky skills. You have to be a team player to achieve good results, but you must be able to be above your team when you're assigning tasks (or monitoring progress). Don't forget to go below, training, encouraging, and supporting them. It will be exhausting at the end of the day, so you need to be very confident about yourself. This will lead to the downside: Employees have feelings. Some will resent how you manage the team, and you must be able to notice the signs early on. Talk about it openly, as any unresolved issue can affect your focus. You might lose the camaraderie, which might lead to your early dismissal.

A great manager must be an expert in time management (and delegating tasks). You'll have a hectic lifestyle, which means that you won't be able to indulge in your interests as frequently as you used to do. It's only natural for someone in a higher position, but you can find a way. You should reevaluate your priorities, also learn to delegate tasks to your team. In this regard, you should observe them. Know what areas they are most efficient (during peak hours). If it's not the case, then you must be able to teach them. It's only right (on your part) that you expect something from them, but don't lose patience right away.

The right manager knows how to give good feedback. This will encourage your team to do better, even be consistent at it. You can't cite poor performance, though. Pay attention to their reactions, and how your evaluation will affect them. It's not hard to foresee that a negative feedback can have a detrimental effect on some employees. If you keep on harping on it, then you may ignore the good performance. This is a surefire way to lose people in a short time.

Action Speaks Louder Than Words

Your team, also your peers, will be looking at you. And your boss(es) will be watching you. It will put a weight on your shoulders, but look at it as an opportunity. If you want to be taken seriously, then you must observe yourself closely. Look at the mirror frequently, observing your gestures. You can also keep an eye on your unguarded moments, but it's hard to do such a thing at all times. (Politeness might be your saving grace in this case.)

As far as your work is concerned, a proactive approach will win you some admirers. Don't expect someone to be impressed with you after your first day (or week). And don't think too far ahead. Focus on your tasks on a particular day, and do it with fervor and resolve for the end results. If you keep on doing it, then you might get your reward. If it's more tasks, then pat yourself on the back.