Skills for New Managers, 2nd Edition

Chapter 3Building Momentum in a New Job

Congratulations! You’ve been promoted. It’s your first day as a new manager. You’re wearing your best outfit, your hair is freshly cut, and you’re ready to lead your staff to greatness.

You want to start on the right foot. Other managers have warned you that first impressions matter, so you want to make every effort to establish the right relationship with your employees from Day One. You also know that if you can gain credibility quickly, you’ll find it easier to give instructions that others will follow.

It makes you nervous to think about it, but it’s true: you’re now under a microscope. Your employees—as well as your boss—will be scrutinizing your words and actions. As the cops tell suspects, anything ...