Last updated on Sep 3, 2024

What do you do if you're starting at a lower level when changing careers to People Management?

Changing careers to people management can be exciting and rewarding, but also challenging and daunting. You may have to start at a lower level than you are used to, and prove yourself to a new team, boss, and organization. How do you cope with this transition and make the most of your new opportunity? Here are some tips to help you succeed as a new people manager.

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1 Assess your skills

Before you dive into your new role, take some time to assess your skills and identify your strengths and gaps. People management requires a range of competencies, such as communication, delegation, feedback, motivation, conflict resolution, and performance management. You may have some of these skills from your previous career, but you may also need to develop or improve others. Be honest with yourself and seek feedback from others to create a realistic and actionable learning plan.

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Amit R.

Building PearlPET | Driving Organizational Growth through Strategic Leadership & People Excellence
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When starting at a lower level in a People Management career, focus on building a strong foundation. Leverage your transferable skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and empathy. Be open to learning and growth, seeking mentorship from experienced leaders. Develop a deep understanding of the organization, its culture, and the team's dynamics. Build relationships, establish trust, and demonstrate your value through strong work ethic and results. Embrace the opportunity to learn from others, ask questions, and seek feedback. Identify areas for growth and development, creating a personal learning plan. Stay adaptable, resilient, and patient, recognizing that career progression takes time.

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2 Learn from others

One of the best ways to learn how to be a good people manager is to observe and learn from others who are doing it well. Find a mentor, coach, or role model who can guide you, advise you, and support you in your new role. Ask them questions, seek their feedback, and emulate their best practices. You can also learn from your peers, colleagues, and direct reports by listening to their perspectives, exchanging ideas, and collaborating on projects.

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3 Build trust and rapport

As a new people manager, you need to establish trust and rapport with your team, your boss, and your stakeholders. Trust is the foundation of effective leadership and teamwork, and it takes time and effort to build. You can start by being transparent, honest, and respectful in your communication, showing interest and empathy in your interactions, and delivering on your promises and commitments. You can also build rapport by finding common ground, sharing your values and vision, and celebrating successes and milestones.

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4 Embrace feedback and learning

Feedback is essential for your growth and development as a new people manager. You need to seek feedback from your team, your boss, and your stakeholders on a regular basis, and use it to improve your performance and skills. You also need to give feedback to your team, and help them grow and achieve their goals. Feedback should be specific, timely, constructive, and balanced. You should also embrace learning opportunities, such as training, coaching, or mentoring, and apply what you learn to your role.

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5 Be flexible and adaptable

Changing careers to people management means that you have to adapt to a new environment, culture, and expectations. You may face challenges, changes, and uncertainties along the way, and you need to be flexible and adaptable to cope with them. You need to be open to new ideas, perspectives, and approaches, and willing to experiment and innovate. You also need to be resilient and optimistic, and focus on the positive aspects of your new role.

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6 Enjoy the journey

Finally, changing careers to people management can be a rewarding and fulfilling journey, if you enjoy it and make the most of it. You have the opportunity to make a difference, influence others, and achieve your potential. You also have the chance to learn new skills, grow as a leader, and expand your network. Don't let the challenges and setbacks discourage you, but rather see them as learning opportunities. Celebrate your achievements and milestones, and appreciate the value and impact of your work.

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Alejandro Álvarez Bonilla

HRTech | Happiness Manager | Top 5 en el ranking HR Next Gen Awards 2022 | Start-Up | Oil & Gas | Psychologist | People and culture | Talent Management | Mental health | Remote work | People Advisor I EdTech
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Considerando que el artículo destaca aspectos clave para el éxito en un nuevo rol de liderazgo. Antes de sumergirse en n el Puesto, necesario reconocer habilidades y reconocer áreas de mejora. Buscar orientación de mentores y modelos a seguir puede proporcionar valiosos consejo y perspectiva. La construcción de la confianza es fundamental, y se logra a través de la transparencia la empatía y el cumplimiento de compromisos. La retroalimentación regular tanto recibida como dada es vital para el crecimiento y desarrollo. Adaptarse a un nuevo entorno requiere flexibilidad y disposición para aprender. Aunque pueden haber desafíos, el viaje hacia la gestión de personas ofrece oportunidades gratificantes para influir, aprender y crecer

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Conroy Thompson, MBA (Dist.) CHIA, CSIP-A

Employee Development Professional| Organizational Development Strategist| Transformational Speaker and Author
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As a new people manager it is good to be intentional about learning the team dynamics of group of people you will be leading. This will make it easier to know what it is you need to focus on developing immediately. Always be learning, and be a collaborative in your approach on projects. This will keep you in tune with emerging trends in the field and help you to find valuable solutions to tackle the challenges that will arise when dealing with people. Your role should always be refined, as you are striving to be the very best not only for yourself in your career, but also for your team who will see you as a role model and aspire to be like you.

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What do you do if you're starting at a lower level when changing careers to People Management?

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1 Assess your skills

2 Learn from others

3 Build trust and rapport

4 Embrace feedback and learning

5 Be flexible and adaptable

6 Enjoy the journey

7 Here’s what else to consider

People Management

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What do you do if you're starting at a lower level when changing careers to People Management?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess your skills

2 Learn from others

3 Build trust and rapport

4 Embrace feedback and learning

5 Be flexible and adaptable

6 Enjoy the journey

7 Here’s what else to consider

People Management

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