Where Should We Begin?

I’m often asked what’s a good starting point for (a) new managers starting out, or (b) experienced managers who want to press the reset button with their team.

The answer is the same for both: the starting point is YOU.

There’s a lot of training for managers and leaders out there that is very costly, very long (drawn out) and complex. It’s nonsense. And unnecessary. Managing people in the workplace can be both simple and fun. You just need the right “no-nonsense” training, guidance and support to achieve that.

Here are some of the questions I encourage people to start with, in my courses:

👉 Describe yourself
👉 How would other people describe you?
👉 (if there’s a difference) Why are they different? What does that say about you?
👉 What are you good at?
👉 What are you not good at (when it comes to work)?
👉 What are your values?
👉 Do you have standards when it comes to work, and the workplace? What are they?
👉 How well do you handle criticism?
👉 What does a bad manager look like?
👉 What does a great manager look like?

These questions are aimed at getting us to think more objectively about ourselves. To increase self-awareness and begin deeper self-analysis. To uncover the traits and attitude required to become not just a good manager, but a great one. And boy oh boy, does the world of work need more of those!

Looking at ourselves in the mirror. It can be confronting. But it’s the perfect starting point.