Navigating the Waters: The Journey of First Time Managers

first time manager growth leadership Apr 02, 2024

Embarking on the journey as a First Time Manager often feels like being thrown into the deep end without a life jacket. With excitement and aspirations high, the reality quickly sets in: no formal training, scarce mentoring, and fleeting moments of coaching. Instead of a royal welcome, new managers are greeted with daunting piles of paperwork, legacy problems, and a brisk overview of their responsibilities. The induction is short, expectations sky-high, and the learning curve steep. It's no wonder that many find themselves overwhelmed, their confidence waning, and their wellbeing in jeopardy.

The Reality for First Time Managers

Our First Time Managers, often front-line with the largest teams, are placed in a paradoxical situation. They manage the least experienced cohorts with minimal development budgets, left to navigate their growth without a clear roadmap or support. Despite these challenges, their potential for impact is immense. However, the harsh truth is that by the time formal leadership training is provided, many have already been in their roles for two years, struggling to keep their heads above water.

The Impact

The struggle is palpable and has significant repercussions not just on the First Time Managers themselves, but also on their teams and the wider organisation. The current workplace practices place undue stress on these managers, leading to a domino effect of mental health issues, high attrition rates, and decreased engagement.

Our Mission

At Kinetik Global, we've walked the trenches with these managers, helping rebuild their confidence and guiding them back from the brink of despair. Our mission is clear: to transform overwhelmed First Time Managers into impactful, trusted, connected, and influential leaders. We're creating a supportive community where First Time Managers can learn, grow, and thrive together, marking the beginning of what should be an exciting career phase.

How We're Making a Difference

We're committed to providing a wealth of resources and learning opportunities for First Time Managers, all free of charge. Our community offers a platform for sharing wisdom, challenges, and resources, fostering a space where managers can connect and excel.

Join Our Mission

This issue affects us all and requires our collective effort. Here are three ways you can support First Time Managers without any financial commitment:

Participate in our "Lead With Confidence: Fundamentals For First Time Managers" series: These 30-minute webinars tackle pressing issues for First Time Managers, offering valuable insights for both the managers themselves and their leaders.

Join our First Time Manager Community: Dive into a pool of resources, webinar recordings, and the collective wisdom of the community. Your contributions, whether as a participant or a mentor, can make a significant difference.

Engage and Share on Social Media: Your shares can extend our reach and impact. If you come across content that can aid a First Time Manager, spread the word on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

A Parting Note

Our mission is vast and ambitious, poised to make a significant impact on organisational culture and the mental well-being of First Time Managers globally. It's a long journey ahead, but with your support, we're ready to face the challenge.