3/12/2010

So Now You're the Boss

"If there’s one big workplace lie that any new manager should wise up to fast, it’s 'There are no office politics here.' ... There’s no workplace on the planet where fostering good relationships isn’t key to getting things done.

And now that you’ve become a boss, it’s even more important that you “get” the political environment of your office and learn how to work effectively with higher-ups, peers, and direct reports...

Understand How Your Role Has Changed...
Know What You Don’t Know...
Master the Unwritten Rules...
Be Loyal, to a Point...
Build the Support You Need to Get Things Done..."

"Make a graceful exit from your old position...
Create good relationships early on...
Speak the language of inclusion...
Show trust in your staff...
Utilize your new employees' strengths...
Lead by example...
Don't get bogged down in details...
Be sensitive to corporate culture.Resist the temptation to change standard operating procedures too quickly, before you fully understand the environment...
Develop a style of management that is fair and consistent...
Seek out a new set of professional peers and mentors...
Strive for personal balance..."

Read more in this article from BNET and this article from Monster.com from which the foregoing were quoted.