Daley & Co

Daley & Co Helping managers become better leaders.

06/05/2023

First-time managers are supposed to have all the answers.

Except they don’t.

Why?

Because no one does. And yet there can be a false sense of pressure for new leaders to know it all, quickly. Especially from within their own teams.

As a new manager, here’s what you can do when your team seeks answers you don’t have:

1. Be transparent - sometimes you just don’t know, or cannot share sensitive information. It’s ok to acknowledge that. You don’t have be apologetic or secretive, but you do need to address it (“I’m in the process of figuring that out..” or “I don’t have that information right now. What I can tell you is…”).

2. Sit in the discomfort - depending on the communication style, some folks on your team may need more detail or expect information faster than others (especially when under pressure). That is their issue. And while you cannot remedy it immediately, it is your responsibility to hear them out and sit in the discomfort with them.

3. Create thinking time - getting swamped is a common pitfall for new leaders. Pros protect their time to assess and prioritize what needs to happen, before getting too far off track.

4. Cut yourself some slack – it’s impossible to hit the ground fully prepared in a new role. There will always be gaps, even for high performers. Be ok with it.

Overnight success as a first-time manager is a Hollywood fairy tale.

There is no elevator, you gotta take the stairs.

05/15/2023

Management tip of the day:

Schedule some walking meetings this week.

Movement while working can create a productive boost (especially when the weather cooperates!).

05/12/2023

Management tip of the day:

The manager is always the last to know.

So, keep lines of communication open.

05/11/2023

Management tip of the day:

When it comes to communicating, you are probably not as clear as you think. I sure wasn’t.

Here’s the idea:

If the message is important, be sure to revisit it across MULTIPLE channels (ex. 1:1s, team meetings, email, group text, Slack/Teams etc).

Sending one email doesn't cut it.

05/10/2023

Early in my career, I had a very intelligent colleague (PhD) say to me, “Imagine, there’s such a thing as a life coach, how foolish!” while rolling their eyes.

Lesson: not everyone gets it.

Having a coach, counsellor, or mentor for an area of your life that you wish to improve is not foolish. It’s what professionals do.

It's the fastest way to accelerate a skill.

Sidebar: never really liked the word life coach though.

05/09/2023

Management tip of the day:

Who is your employee that always delivers? You know the one.

Getting it done, day in and day out.

To the point that it just becomes the norm, and weeks and months go by without acknowledgement.

Today, take the time to sincerely thank them - and find out exactly what they need from you.

05/08/2023

First-time managers don’t need more CEO case studies or bro culture articles.

Sound fundamentals establish new leaders. Things like:

-building trust
-coaching
-delivering feedback
-having difficult conversations
-leading remote teams

If you’re a first-time manager seeking long-term growth (and less stress and insecurity), check out my self-led course in the comments below. The Leadership Acceleration Course is now available for only $149.

05/05/2023

Management tip of the day:

Ask your team WHAT questions they have (not IF they have questions).

05/04/2023

As a new manager, creating connection with your team is crucial.

We often overcomplicate the hell out of leading others.

One of the best ways to connect with your people?

Take the time to ask thoughtful questions, and then stop talking.

Take the time to ask.

Listen.

Take action (where needed).

Repeat.

ps. If you'd like to supercharge your management skills, check out the self-led Leadership Acceleration Course (including 6 modules and tools/templates to help elevate your management career). Now available for just $149. Link below!

05/01/2023

Quietly working hard and expecting a promotion is an amateur move.

No one will advocate for your management career the way you can. What can you do?

1. Deliver results - nothing draws attention like creating value. So, don’t just be busy. Deliver the goods and be able to measure the impact. Be clear with your own manager about your career aspirations and co-create a development plan. No one can read your mind.

2. Tell your story - do you have a story right now? What enlightening/entertaining/heartwarming story can you tell about your accomplishments? Hone that story, tell it often, and make it stick. Be memorable. Senior leaders, clients, and other decision-makers need to know YOU.

3. Find a supporter – while no one is responsible for your career more than you are, having someone in a position of authority that can speak on your behalf behind closed doors sure makes life easier. Make an effort to connect and seek support from senior leaders. Start with those you may already have close contact with. You’d be surprised who may be willing to cast a vote for you, if your ambition and story resonates with them.

If you want to decrease your stress, grow your confidence, and elevate your career in 2023, do these two things:

1. Follow me and turn on notifications for my content

2. Check out my self-led course in the comments below. The Leadership Acceleration Course - including 6 modules and tools/templates to help elevate your management career, is now available for just $149!

04/28/2023

Management tip of the day:

Perfectionism makes things more difficult and complicated than they need to be.

What can you simplify today?

04/25/2023

New leaders, seek guidance from those who have walked your path.

Not family and friends who have never done your job.

Leadership scar tissue has deep value.

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