How to be a great manager when role models are scarce
As I was turning Think Like a Coach the book into Think Like a Coach the programme I did some market research.
I wanted to know what gets in the way of new managers becoming great managers.
And I was surprised to find out that a big factor is a lack of role models.
This is backed up by Gartners latest research that showed that 70% of the HR Leaders surveyed believe that the leaders and managers they have aren’t equipped to develop midlevel managers.
Jinkies, it’s pretty grim out there.
If you’re lacking role models at work to help you develop into a great manager then I’ve got three ideas that might help:
Talk to your peers
It never fails to amaze the managers in my workshops that their peers are often facing the same dilemmas. It’s not just you, I promise.
Go out and chat to others in the same position as you and support each other.Reconnect with great managers you’ve had in the past
Send them a note telling them how they were a great manager for you and then ask for some advice. Everyone loves giving advice and a great manager isn’t going to say no.
Start a reflection practice
The biggest learning doesn’t come from doing, it comes from reflecting on what you’ve done and taking action. So make time to reflect on you as a manager at least once a week.
The 3-2-1 technique is great for this because it only takes six minutes.Even quicker you could adapt these two questions to reflect on instead:
“What went well yesterday?”
“What do I want to do differently today.”Which one of these are you going to try?
Since Think Like A Coach came out in March I have busy turning it into a programme for new managers in professional services firms.
It helps them go from micromanagers who don’t trust their teams and are squeamish to hold them accountable to boosting motivation and driving exceptional performance through everyday conversations.
I’m holding a virtual taster workshop on Tuesday 12th November from 12-1pm.
Attendees will leave with:
A clear understanding of what it means to be coach-like manager.
A taste of the Coaching Two-Step, a model designed with coach-like managers in mind.
Practical tips of how to bring coaching into your everyday conversations.
They’ll also be in the draw to win a signed copy of the book.
This would be perfect for people in professional services responsible for new manager development in L&D or HR that need a simple and practical solution.
Do you know anyone that would be a good fit?
If so, please forward this to them and invite them to come along or get in touch. They can find out more about me either on Linkedin or www.thinkwithjude.com
Thanks for your support
Where can I buy a copy of Think Like A Coach?
Think Like A Coach is available in the UK from Amazon and The Right Book Press. Worldwide it is available through Amazon. Links here.
