Lessons I Learned from Becoming a Manager: Celebrating Wins and Building Peers

Lessons I Learned from Becoming a Manager: Celebrating Wins and Building Peers

Becoming a manager is a significant milestone in one's career. It comes with a whole new set of responsibilities and challenges that can be both rewarding and isolating. In this article, we will explore some of the lessons I learned from my own experience as a manager, focusing on two key problems I encountered and the strategies I found effective in overcoming them. Additionally, I will share insights on the importance of celebrating wins and finding a community of peers to navigate the managerial journey.

Problem 1: Shifting Responsibility to People, Not Products

One of the first challenges I faced when transitioning into a managerial role was the shift in responsibility. As an individual contributor, my focus was primarily on the product and its development. However, as a manager, my primary responsibility became the well-being and growth of my team members.

What worked for me was giving my team slightly more freedom than they (and I) were comfortable with. By empowering them to make decisions and take ownership of their work, I witnessed a significant boost in productivity and creativity. Trusting my team to deliver results allowed me to focus on building a culture that fosters the best possible outcomes.

Problem 2: The Feedback Loop Changes

Another significant change I encountered as a manager was the shift in the feedback loop. As an individual contributor, I received feedback on a daily or weekly basis, allowing me to gauge my performance and measure my value. However, as a manager, the feedback loop extended to months, making it challenging to assess my own impact.

To overcome this hurdle, I realized that my focus should not solely be on measuring my own value but on creating an environment that leads to the best products and outcomes. While it takes months to see the results of my actions, good or bad, I learned to trust the process and focus on the long-term vision.

Finding Personal Fulfillment and Building Peers

Managing people can sometimes be a lonely experience. The relationships I had with my colleagues who were once my peers changed as they now expected something different from me. This shift in dynamics can often result in feelings of isolation.

To combat this, I actively sought out my peers and celebrated wins together. By finding individuals who were in similar managerial positions, I was able to build a community of support and understanding. We would share our experiences, discuss challenges, and celebrate each other's successes. This not only provided a sense of belonging but also offered valuable insights and advice from others who were on a similar journey.

Unique Value of Glasp: Connecting with Like-Minded Individuals

In a different context, the Glasp platform offers a unique opportunity to connect with others who share similar interests and passions. Glasp positions itself as a Social Web highlighting platform, allowing users to share annotations and highlights with one another.

One of the standout features of Glasp is the ability to find others who have similar interests and are willing to share their notes and highlights. By using tags or topics attached to the content, users can discover related information and connect with individuals who are reading and commenting on similar materials. This not only expands one's insights but also creates a community of like-minded individuals who can engage in meaningful discussions and knowledge sharing.

Incorporating Actionable Advice

Before concluding, here are three actionable pieces of advice for both managers and individuals looking to connect with others through platforms like Glasp:

1. Embrace autonomy: Give your team members the freedom to make decisions and take ownership of their work. Trust in their abilities and empower them to contribute meaningfully.

2. Celebrate wins: As a manager, it's essential to acknowledge and celebrate the successes of your team. This not only boosts morale but also fosters a positive and supportive work culture.

3. Find your community: Seek out peers who are going through similar experiences. Build relationships with individuals who understand the challenges and can offer valuable insights and support.

Conclusion

Becoming a manager is a transformative experience that presents unique challenges and opportunities. By shifting our focus from products to people, embracing autonomy, and finding our community, we can navigate the managerial journey with confidence and foster a culture of success. Additionally, platforms like Glasp provide a valuable avenue for connecting with like-minded individuals and expanding our knowledge and insights. Embrace the lessons learned, celebrate every win, and build a network of peers who will support and inspire you along the way.