This is part of the weekly ‘Ask Tristan’ series. If you have a question, please email me: [email protected]

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Q: Dear Tristan, I’ve just been promoted to my very first management job.  I’m excited by the opportunity but also really worried that I won’t be inspiring enough to the guys in my team.  Where do I start? - MP

A: Dear MP,

Congrats on the promotion.  Awesome work!

Where to start as a manager?  I could spend weeks on this very topic!  But, I think the two most important things you can do are:

  1. Read The One Minute Manager
  2. Find a mentor 

The One Minute Manager is possibly the best management book ever written.  It’s short, easy to read and has some great lessons.  The most important lesson being to focus on catching people doing things RIGHT.  (No matter what you’ve seen from other managers, your new job is not just to correct people when they get something wrong). 

Secondly, find an experienced manager that you admire and ask them to be your mentor.  Explain your new role, your concerns and ask if they could meet with you once a week, fortnight or month to support your transition.  (Perhaps read The One Minute Manager before choosing a mentor, this will help you identify the best type of managers).

Lastly, relax!  You’ve got the job for a reason and now it’s time to show them what you can do.

Good luck,

Tristan