Playbook for the first week as a new manager

You are probably operating as a tech lead and being offered to become the manager of the team. The announcement day comes. Now what? I am sure you are reeling with both the excitement of the upcoming experience and also nervous at the same time.

Here are things you must pay attention to on the day of transition.

The first hour

You manager is going to bring in a team meeting and make the announcement. Depending on the situation this is news to 100% of your team or most of the key members already know during their prior 1:1 with your current manager. Regardless of the situation, the moment after the news is announced and your manager end the announcement with the question “any questions or thoughts”. Two scenarios can happen silence, or a barrage of questions.

If there are questions, either you should answer. If you manager answers it, do add your additional comments on the topic where applicable. If there is silence, it is your time to start speaking.

Irrespective of how the meeting goes here are the main messaging you should try to deliver to your team.

• Acknowledge that this is a great opportunity to continue serving the team and you are both excited and nervous. State that you intent to do your best and the team has great vision and opportunities ahead.
• State this very clearly - “I will not be successful in this role unless each one of your team members support you and you are & will be really thankful for their support.”
• Communicate in your own words - “If you have concerns due to this change, I understand and I am open and interested to hear about how you can help with that.”

Either the same day or the next day connect with the person who is next in line for that role (if you were never working there) and discuss with them on how they feel and hear their concerns. Give them the confidence that their growth is not going to diminish, in-fact it is going to expand more with your role change. Follow through with all the above statements.

The first week

Continue with the existing processes of your manager. Meet with everyone for a team meeting for at least 30 minutes within the first week. Build a more personal connection with each member. Discuss that this is a good opportunity to tell you what they want to achieve and their growth and goals. With change comes opportunity.

Setup your weekly 1:1s, Let your team drive the weekly meeting instead of you driving the weekly meeting - nominate someone to run it.

The goal at the end of first week is that everyone is calm and you know who are the people who are worried and will not stay much longer in your team. Ramp up on basic processes to take over form your manager. There is a long way ahead, so stay excited!