Sponsored by Grenier-Bio One:
The stats don’t lie; more and more women are climbing the corporate ladder and fulfilling their ambitions to land positions in management. While there are already numerous women occupying significant roles in companies across industries, one could reasonably expect that number to rise over the next few years. With that in mind, it’s important to consider how to best handle success.
Here are four helpful tips for women who’ve just secured a big promotion or found a new job in management:
Get Your Hands Dirty
The best leaders set a positive example through their actions. It’s all well and good to talk a big game, but if you want to win the respect of your colleagues, you have to follow through on your promises. To that end, be willing to step back into the trenches when needed. Make sure to keep an open-door policy, and never dismiss an issue an employee brings up –– even if it may seem trivial at first.
Sweat the Small Stuff
No one likes to be micromanaged. However, people new to management positions need to prioritize work and find the devil in the details that others overlook. It doesn’t matter if you’re editing a blog about urine tubes, or preparing the biggest presentation in your company’s history, approach it with a high level of professionalism and scrutiny. It may not be the most glamorous part of your new job, but it’s vital you try to minimize errors. After all, the buck stops with you.
Managing Change
Some people who find themselves in new positions feel the need to make a big splash and shake things up –– just for the sake of change. Resist this temptation. Managing change within your team is a balancing act. Of course, you should always be looking for new ways to better your operation, but don’t do away with old practices just because they’re old. Instead, practice restraint in this regard. The best leaders recognize when NOT to get involved.
Stay Calm
At the end of the day, the most important element to solid leadership is the ability to instill confidence in your coworkers during turbulent times, and the best way to do that is to remain calm. Even if you’re nervous, worried, or concerned, freaking out won’t do you — or your team — any good. Take time to collect your thoughts, and always project belief in your team members. They’ll appreciate your support, and nine times out of 10 you’ll be better off for it.
