So, you are a Manager now!

By Vibhas Joshi

This book is your guide for effectively transitioning from being an individual contributor to being a Manager. It will act as your mentor in the first few years of your journey in the wonderland of management. You can be in any business function and in any industry. The content has been carefully curated to provide you only the "essential" level of guidance, so that you do not struggle with information overload. It is  simple but powerful and if implemented diligently, is bound to give you wonderful results over time

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blue Rose Publishers
• Release date: Nov 16, 2023

Book preview

1. Introduction

1.1 This book is for

This book is for Individual Contributors who are about to transition into the role of Manager. You can be in any business function and in any industry. The content of the book is applicable across genders.

The book is based on what has worked for me in my corporate experience in management roles and what I have learnt during my role as facilitator and coach.

1.2 How to use this book?

Start with the chapter "Role of a new Manager." This provides you with perspective on the success criteria and the responsibilities of a new Manager.

Study the chapter "Managing the transition" as the next step. It provides you with guidance on the essential changes that you need to make to get into the role of Manager.

Your next focus should be the chapter "Laying the foundation. This covers the foundational building blocks of your construction" as a new Manager.

Each subsequent chapter is an independent one and can be studied in isolation and in any order.

At the end of each chapter, a list of useful resources is provided which will provide additional reference information pertaining to the topics in that chapter.

Write your learning in the "Notes" pages provided at the end of each chapter.

You will face situations where the solution may not be obvious or you may be facing a dilemma in making the right choice from the possible options. You will find answers to a few situations faced frequently by new managers in the chapter "Frequently asked questions."

The "Glossary of terms" will help you build your management vocabulary which is an important part of your development as a Manager. Any term that is defined in the Glossary, will appear with initial letter in capital.

Annexure 1 provides a checklist of the tasks you need to perform with a suggested frequency. Print this and keep it visible all the time to act as the blueprint of the schedule of your responsibilities.

Annexure 2 presents two stories from my experience with associated management lessons – one of success and one of failure.

1.3 What is the value to you?

This book will guide you during the transition from being an individual contributor to being a Manager.

It will act as your mentor in first few years of your journey in the wonderland of management.

The content has been carefully curated to provide you only the essential level of guidance, so that you do not struggle with information overload. It is simple but powerful and if implemented diligently, is bound to give you wonderful results over time.

Any knowledge by itself does not lead to success. It is the implementation of knowledge through actions that leads to success.

You must therefore implement the recommended practices yourself in your work context to derive the practical value.

Focus your attention and intelligence on the substance provided with the intention to apply it.

Templates have been provided throughout the book, which will bring structure in the documentation you need to maintain as a Manager. These are suggestive in nature. You can modify them to suit your context.

1.4 What this book does not cover

This book does not cover the domain specific knowledge areas that your role requires. Examples are