Lessons I Learned from Becoming a Manager: Embracing Change and Building a Supportive Culture

Lessons I Learned from Becoming a Manager: Embracing Change and Building a Supportive Culture

Becoming a manager comes with its fair share of challenges and adjustments. As someone who was used to focusing solely on the product, my first lesson was realizing that my primary responsibility now lies with the people on my team. This shift in focus can be difficult to navigate, but I discovered that giving my team slightly more freedom than they (and I) were comfortable with proved to be effective. This not only empowered them to take ownership of their work but also allowed for creativity and innovation to flourish.

However, one of the biggest hurdles I faced was the change in the feedback loop. As an individual contributor, feedback was often immediate, and I could measure my value by the impact of my work. But as a manager, the results of my efforts take months to materialize. This made it challenging to gauge my own worth and contribution to the team. Nevertheless, I realized that as a manager, my focus should be on building a culture that fosters the creation of the best products. While the results may not be immediate, the impact of a strong and supportive culture can be seen in the long run.

Amidst the challenges of managing others, it is crucial to find something at work that I do for myself, not just for my team. It is easy to get caught up in the responsibilities and demands of being a manager, but it is important to prioritize self-care and personal growth. This could be as simple as setting aside time for personal projects or learning opportunities. By nurturing my own development, I can continue to bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the team.

Additionally, I have come to realize that managing people can be a lonely endeavor. The relationships that were once built on camaraderie and shared tasks now undergo a transformation. The shift in dynamics can often leave managers feeling isolated. To combat this, I have found solace in connecting with my peers. Celebrating wins together, whether big or small, creates a sense of community and support. It reminds me that I am not alone in this journey and that we can learn from and lean on each other.

The concept of marginalia, or the practice of leaving annotations and comments in the margins of books and documents, is not a new phenomenon. From ancient times, people have been leaving their thoughts, learnings, and findings for others to benefit from. This legacy of knowledge has helped generations understand complex concepts and ideas. It is fascinating to see how these annotations serve as a distillation of knowledge, providing valuable insights to future readers.

Catherine C. Marshall's research on user annotation of texts sheds light on the significance of this practice. She discovered that students in various university departments actively sought out annotated copies of textbooks from used book dealers. They recognized the value of their predecessors' annotations and appreciated the distilled knowledge that was passed down to them. This research highlights the importance of sharing insights and learnings, as it allows for the collective growth and development of individuals and communities.

In conclusion, becoming a manager requires embracing change and adapting to new responsibilities. Shifting the focus from the product to the people on my team was a crucial lesson I learned. Additionally, understanding the significance of building a supportive culture and celebrating wins with peers has helped alleviate the isolation that often accompanies management roles. Lastly, the concept of marginalia reminds us of the power of sharing knowledge and insights, as it allows for the continuous growth and development of individuals and communities.

Actionable Advice:

1. Embrace the shift in responsibilities and prioritize the development and well-being of your team members. Give them the freedom to excel and take ownership of their work.
2. Find a balance between your role as a manager and personal growth. Set aside time for self-care and pursue projects or learning opportunities that fuel your own development.
3. Connect with your peers and celebrate wins together. Building a supportive network of colleagues can provide invaluable support and remind you that you are not alone in your management journey.