The Globe & Mail had a good article called ‘No. 1 employee not always your No. 1 manager’. In the article, they list the following reasons why new managers fail:

              

               Source: DDI Canada

It so happens that this Friday I am doing a roundtable with people who want to understand what it means to pursue a management career. To ‘prep’ for the event, they have provided working documents to spark discussion. One of the documents highlights issues that can limit success, including:

• ·         Unable to make the transformation which involves a “profound psychological adjustment”; the transformation of identity (losing their sense of mastery and who they were to begin working on a new set of skills).
• ·         Independent (likes to accomplish things on their own).
• ·         Inability to get along. Poor interpersonal skills prevent the Manager from effectively leading people or teams.
• ·         Failure to adapt. Flexibility is crucial.
• ·         The "Me Only" Syndrome. If the reason why someone became or is considering management is all about them and their own recognition it will have negative consequences.
• ·         Fear of Action. Managers can fall into the “analysis paralysis” and want to examine all the details before making any decision.
• ·         Inability to Rebound. Managers must take risks and with any risks, there is a certain amount of success and failure. How a Manager rebounds from the failures is important to note.

At the roundtable, my best piece of advice will be: Read 2 books before becoming a manager and take them to heart:

• 1.       Becoming a Manager, Linda Hill
• 2.       First 90 days, Michael Watkins