“What’s one major challenge I could face as a younger manager in my 20’s?”
Here’s my answer to the new manager:
The first time I managed (in my late 20’s), one of my biggest challenges was handling my team’s emotions. I was a young manager without the life experience in every situation to know what to do.
What I did was pay close attention to how my team is feeling. Do they seem angry? Excited? What are they most afraid of?
You can never read someone’s mind. And even if they tell you, you’re never certain. For new managers – have you asked how each individual is feeling? Doesn’t hurt to ask, “How’s everything going? Is there anything you’re willing to share?” Keep asking when you meet. Your 1-1 might be half an hour. Go overtime to an extra hour.
Take them out of for coffee. Walk all the way to B2 in San Pedro square and listen.
During 1-1s, problems I hear can be deeply personal and sadly I don’t know how to resolve them. Sometimes they want me to give advice or simply be there. Sensitive topics can come up. Without saying too much, if you suspect an engineer is in a toxic situation in their personal life – what will you do? What do you think is the right thing to say?
How someone performs at work can be influenced by their personal life. If you’re worried, make sure they are willing to take your advice if you can give them a new perspective.
If they want your advice – here’s how I handled the situation. You’ll need to think carefully what advice you would give as a friend vs. a manager.
So split the two.
First offer advice as a friend. If in a hypothetical situation they don’t report to you or work at the company.
You could be the only person in the world they trust and talk to. You might be their last link of support. Most likely you’re not a mental health professional. You don’t have to be. My advice is to listen and if they need help, let them know its out there. Whether that’s from the outside or from you.
What’s important is they know you’re looking out for them.
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