As a new manager these are the rules I would suggest:
-Network and make connects within every department you come into contact with.
-Remember you are a brand. Customers are not just external they are internal as well. If you are able to provide high quality service to those who come to you, you will build your reputation and brand within your organization.
-Know your Key Performance Indicators. What are you being measured and evaluated on? What are your targets as a manager? Study the data that affects you. Collect and quantify any data that you feel may help you improve your performance. Most large corporations have reporting teams. Study those reports and identify areas of opportunity you believe can be improved. Keep in mind what you feel is important and what your director feels is important can be two different things. Prioritize accordingly.
-Read everything about your company and learn as much as you can. If you need to speak with someone you should be well informed and know whats going on.
-Know how to write a proper email...alot of managers have no clue... and make sure whatever is being asked or told to you, you get it in writing. "Can you send me an email regarding your request? It helps me manage my workload and keeps me organized. " It also is a way to save yourself if somebody tells you some bs. They can't deny it because you have it in writing.
-Be sure that you remember the employees who report to you are customers too. If they see you as a dictator they may work out of fear but it creates a negative environment, destroys morale/synergy and creates additional stress. The better approach is to treat them as customers and with the same standards you'd expect to be treated with. Too many managers get on a power trip and lines are drawn. You do have to let people who work under you what is expected of them. Its important to recognize "will vs skill". An underachieving employee that is will to work and try can be taught skills and improve. An underachieving employee that does not have the will to improve cannot be coached. They are cancerous. Talk to them. Let them know "Sure, we'd all rather be on a yacht off the coast soaking in the sun or whatever they like...but you are getting paid to do a job. That is the transaction you've agreed to. We pay you for your labour. If you do not perform what we expect of you, then it is time for some deep self-reflection. The door is that way. Go find something that you will find fulfillment in."
-If the environment is unionized, read the agreement and understand it. When in doubt have a go to person in HR or a senior manager you can ask questions. Remember, get their responses in writing whenever possible.
-Organize your emails and tackle the harder stuff first. Makes things easier in the long run.
-If the Director you report to is an idiot then try to understand the things that are important to him/her. Always be ready with data, facts and solutions to suggest.
These are a few of the things I did when I first started out as a manager. Have managed many different teams and departments varying in size both locally and globally mostly in telecom and media. Switched to banking and although its different, the rules I mentioned above can be applied to either.
, if he's already in a lead position at that age in that type of setting....
Thats all the advice I can give given how lazy I am at the moment.
