You may be a born leader, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have a learning curve when you slide into the boss’s chair for the first time.
      Follow these tips to make a smooth transition to management:
• Restrain yourself. If you’re too quick to start making drastic changes, you’re likely to make foolish mistakes and scare some of your best people into jumping ship. Wait until you have a clear picture before you start retouching.
• Get involved in your workplace. Don’t get too comfortable in your new office. Instead spend most of your time observing operations and the people who execute them. Ask questions, make notes, seek input, and establish that your door is always open to those wishing to discuss problems or offer solutions.
• Do your homework. Don’t rely on your staff to tell you what you need to know. Review all the available data—from personnel files to management policies to project analyses—to develop a thorough knowledge of your department.
• Find a mentor. Seek advice from your boss or another trusted corporate leader. Like new employees, new managers can benefit from a seasoned veteran who’ll help them learn the ropes.
• Build relationships. Don’t be so intent on establishing your power base that you rob employees of theirs. Emphasize that you’re part of a team, not head of a dictatorship. Establish strong two-way communication, showing employees you value their expertise—and that you’re eager to share what information you can.
• Take charge. Although it’s important that you emphasize teamwork and seek input, it’s equally important that you demonstrate your ability to make the tough calls. Listen to others—but make clear that the final decisions are yours.
—Adapted from the CoachVille website