Stepping into management is a huge milestone, but the learning curve can be daunting. Even with the best intentions, first-time leaders often stumble into traps that impact team morale and performance. This guide breaks down the 7 most common mistakes new managers make, with real-world examples and actionable fixes to help you lead confidently.
1. Micromanaging Instead of Empowering
The Mistake: Over-supervising tasks, redoing work, or requiring approval for everything.
Example: A SaaS marketing manager reviewed every team email, slowing productivity and eroding trust.
The Fix:
- Delegate clearly (define what, why, and when).
- Use weekly check-ins instead of daily oversight.
- Focus on outcomes, not task details.
2. Poor Communication of Expectations
The Mistake: Assuming teams “know” what’s expected or skipping follow-ups.
Example: A retail manager’s vague KPIs led to missed sales targets for two months.
The Fix:
- Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
- Have team members restate expectations to confirm understanding.
- Document goals in writing (e.g., via Slack or email).
3. Avoiding or Mishandling Feedback
The Mistake: Dodging tough conversations or saving feedback for annual reviews.
Example: A team member’s chronic lateness went unaddressed until it triggered a formal warning.
The Fix:
- Use the SBI model (Situation–Behavior–Impact) for clear feedback.
- Schedule monthly 1-on-1 feedback sessions.
- Foster two-way feedback to build trust.
4. Not Listening to the Team
The Mistake: Dominating meetings or dismissing team input.
Example: A manager ignored suggestions, causing team disengagement.
The Fix:
- Start 1-on-1s with open-ended questions (e.g., “What’s working well?”).
- Listen three times more than you speak (3:1 ratio).
- Use anonymous Google Forms for honest feedback.
5. Trying to Be Everyone’s Friend
The Mistake: Avoiding tough calls or bending rules to stay likable.
Example: A manager’s leniency on time-off requests caused weekend understaffing.
The Fix:
- Show empathy but enforce boundaries.
- Set and uphold clear team norms.
- Prioritize fairness over popularity.
6. Poor Time Management
The Mistake: Getting bogged down in daily tasks, neglecting strategy or team growth.
Example: A manager missed planning sessions due to constant firefighting.
The Fix:
- Reserve 2 hours weekly for strategic planning.
- Use the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize tasks.
- Delegate non-essential tasks to team members.
7. Failing to Align with Leadership
The Mistake: Operating in a silo or not updating upper management.
Example: A manager’s team drifted from company goals due to poor alignment.
The Fix:
- Share weekly updates on team wins and challenges.
- Tie team efforts to company OKRs.
- Seek regular feedback from your manager.
Final Takeaway
Mistakes are part of becoming a great manager. By avoiding these common mistakes new managers make, you’ll build a stronger, more engaged team.
