🌟 Celebrating my first 90 days at AMD as a first time manager. 🌟
It's been a journey of growth & valuable insights as I navigate my first 90 days as a new manager. Here are some key learnings that I've learned & continue to learn:
- "The reason I…". Every action is purposeful. I've been saying these words often in my conversation. "The reason I'm asking this is because...","The reason say that is because...". I've learned the power of clarity in communication, ensuring my intent is understood, fostering a transparent & collaborative environment.
- Mindset Shift from Doing to Leading. The transition from an independent contributor to a manager is transformative. It's not about me; it's about the team. Many times, I'd have the urge of doing things as I used to when I was an independent contributor. This is something I have to shake off because leading means empowering others & collectively driving success.
- WWMLD-What Would My Leader Do. In moments of uncertainty, I've found inspiration in the leadership journeys of those who have guided me. Channeling their wisdom helps me make thoughtful decisions. When you have or had a great manager, you reflect on how they've coached you & how, in return, you coach others. "Leadership is not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge." - Simon Sinek
- Never ask, never know. My late mum said this many times before. But in this case, "never try, never know". This was a new step for me after years of being an IC into a manager role. I was doubtful yet wanting to explore. The only way forward is to take a step forward. This led to new discoveries & reflection of who I am.
- Accepting Failures. Often, we think of success & afraid of failure. However, embrace the inevitability of failures. Each setback is a stepping stone to success, offering lessons that propel both me & the team forward. "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill
- Reach Out for Help. Don't be afraid to ask for help. In my case, the team was totally new. Apart from starting from scratch, leading a new team is uncharted territory. Seeking advice and insights from other leaders has proven invaluable. A reminder that I'm not alone in this journey. "The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team." - Phil Jackson
- Trusting the Team. It's not about control but coaching. Create the vision, be clear and trust the team. Allow them to leverage their unique strengths to bring it to fruition. "Trust is the glue of life. It's the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It's the foundational principle that holds all relationships." - Stephen R. Covey
- It's OK to Not Have All the Answers. Initially, I felt the pressure to have all the answers. Embracing vulnerability and saying "I don't know" opens the door to collaborative problem-solving.
- Having Tough Conversations. No more having tough conversations just about my performance but the performance of others. Embracing these conversations fosters growth and alignment.
- Being Open to Feedback. As a new leader and new hire, eyes are on me. Not just that but feedback as well. Be open to them because failures are part of the journey. It helps you grow. "Feedback is the breakfast of champions." - Ken Blanchard
🎁 (Bonus 😜 because that's my name). When you're doubting yourself, look back at your journey & the people who believe in you. This will give you a boost. Yes, new role, new team, new company. It can be overwhelming, & it can throw doubts into your head, "I can't do this", "what was I thinking", "I'm not cut out for this". Reflecting on my journey, when I started in HR Shared Services, it was the same doubts I had, & I got through it. The people who believe in you. They are the ones who pushes you forward & gave you the chance. In this role, I was hired, & I was given the chance because someone believe in what I did & what I can bring to the table. Also, I'd say my wife was the first, & still is, to believe in me to have given me that push to take on this journey.
I hope this will be helpful for new managers and I wish you the best in your journey.
