Common Assumptions of New Managers

First Posted: April 8, 2021

A lot of new managers assume that they know exactly what they need to do in order to be successful in their new role. Sometimes they are right and sometimes they are not.  Here are 5 common assumptions: 

Assumption 1: I must know EVERYTHING 

One of the hardest facts that new managers have to accept is that it is alright to say “I don’t know”. Your employees do not expect you to know everything. When they ask you questions, they may hope to get an answer. But even if you do not have the answer or solution, they will not mock you behind your back or insist that you are an imposter. 

No manager knows it all. Some of the best leaders actually know less than their employees. The true test of your managerial skills is not about what you know or do not know. It is about how you relate to your employees and help them find answers to problems at work. 

Assumption 2: I can’t TRUST anyone 

Many new managers who embrace the old-school “command and control” model of managing believe that it is foolish to trust employees. They may install surveillance cameras at work areas and spyware on their computers to continuously check on their employees in the hope of weeding out wrongdoers or incompetent workers. 

Refusing to trust anyone will not help you manage more effectively and you might run the risk of isolating yourself from your employees. Similarly, blind trust can lead to a lot of problems as well. What you should do is to let your relationships with your employees evolve naturally. Along the way, you will be able to screen out those whom you can count on to be trustworthy and dependable. 

Assumption 3: Do the SAME thing, but even better 

Think about why were you promoted into a managerial role. Did you think it was purely based on your knowledge and expertise? You may be a marketing genius or maths whiz but that does not guarantee that you will be a good manager. 

The truth is that your ability to manage people is not directly related to the knowledge you have about your work. Being a good manager is a skill in itself that you have to develop over time.  

Assumption 4: I have to be OBJECTIVE at all times 

In your first few weeks as a new manager, you may go all out to sound and look serious. For instance, you may refuse to crack jokes or appear solemn during meetings. You may greet employees’ enthusiasm with silence, thinking that it would make you appear immature to get carried away in the moment. 

However, this may make you seem heartless and detached. There is a time and place for being objective, such as when you are giving performance feedback or in situations where you have to say no. But you should also be yourself, laugh and relate better with your team.

Assumption 5: I must call all the SHOTS! 

It is impossible for you to immerse yourself into each and every situation and make all the decisions. Also, no one in their right frame of mind would want to do that as it would result in burnout quickly.  

Delegation is one of the most important things you should do as a leader. Delegation will allow you more time to focus on unique problems and non-routine tasks. At the same time, employees will learn to be more confident and pick up new skills when you empower them.