Becoming a new manager is a huge milestone, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. You’re not just responsible for your own work anymore—you’re now guiding a team, driving performance, and managing relationships. The transition from individual contributor to manager can be tricky, and avoiding common pitfalls will set you up for success.
Here’s a checklist of what you should avoid as a new manager:
1. Micromanaging Your Team
One of the biggest mistakes new managers make is the temptation to micromanage. It’s understandable; you want things done right. But trying to control every task sends the message that you don’t trust your team. Instead, delegate responsibilities and allow your team members the space to showcase their skills.
What to do instead: Set clear expectations and empower your team with the autonomy to complete their work. This encourages ownership and helps them grow.
2. Failing to Set Clear Goals
A manager’s success is often determined by how well the team meets its objectives. Without clear goals, your team might feel lost or work in the wrong direction, which could lead to frustration and reduced productivity.
What to do instead: Work with your team to establish measurable goals. Make sure everyone understands the team’s objectives and how their work contributes to the bigger picture.
3. Avoiding Difficult Conversations
Whether it’s addressing underperformance or resolving team conflicts, some new managers shy away from tough conversations. Ignoring problems won’t make them disappear and can erode the trust and culture within your team.
What to do instead: Address issues directly, but with empathy. Have one-on-one discussions, frame feedback constructively, and focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on mistakes.
4. Being a Friend Instead of a Leader
It’s natural to want to be liked by your team, but blurring the lines between friendship and leadership can undermine your authority. It might be difficult to give objective feedback or make tough decisions if you’re too focused on being everyone’s friend.
What to do instead: Build strong relationships based on mutual respect and trust. You don’t have to be cold or distant, but remember that your primary responsibility is to lead the team effectively.
5. Failing to Listen to Your Team
New managers sometimes feel they have to know all the answers, which can lead to ignoring the insights and concerns of their team members. This alienates your team and reduces collaboration.
What to do instead: Practice active listening. Your team members likely have valuable feedback, ideas, and perspectives that can help you make better decisions. Make sure they feel heard.
6. Neglecting Professional Development
Some new managers are so focused on day-to-day operations that they forget about their team’s development. If your team isn’t growing, it’s stagnating—and that can hurt morale and performance.
What to do instead: Invest time in coaching and mentoring your team members. Help them identify growth opportunities, offer training, and encourage learning.
7. Overcommitting and Under-Delivering
It’s tempting to say “yes” to everything as a new manager, especially when you want to prove yourself. However, overcommitting can stretch you and your team thin, leading to missed deadlines and burnout.
What to do instead: Learn to prioritize and manage expectations. Be realistic about what can be accomplished within the given resources and timelines.
8. Not Asking for Help
Many new managers feel they need to figure everything out on their own to prove their competence. However, this can be isolating and counterproductive. Leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about leveraging the right resources.
What to do instead: Seek advice from mentors, peers, or senior leaders. There’s no shame in asking for help; in fact, it shows self-awareness and a willingness to grow.
9. Failing to Celebrate Wins
Focusing solely on areas for improvement without acknowledging successes can demoralize your team. Celebrating wins, both big and small, boosts morale and reinforces positive behavior.
What to do instead: Recognize individual and team achievements. A simple thank you, public recognition, or celebration can go a long way in fostering a positive work environment.
10. Ignoring the Importance of Work-Life Balance
As a new manager, the pressure to perform can lead to long hours and high stress. However, if you neglect your work-life balance—or your team’s—it can lead to burnout.
What to do instead: Model a healthy work-life balance for your team. Encourage breaks, respect personal time, and help your team manage workloads effectively.
Build a Strong Foundation as a New Manager
Transitioning to a management role can be daunting, but avoiding these common pitfalls will set you up for long-term success. Focus on building trust, communicating clearly, and empowering your team. As a new manager, you’re in a unique position to shape the future of your team—and by steering clear of these mistakes, you’ll lay a strong foundation for success.