Common Mistakes that Can Ruin a Manager's Career
Author: Sheri A. Callahan

Common Mistakes that Can Ruin a Manager’s Career
Sheri A. Callahan Horizon Consulting Group, LLC
Training, Keynote Addresses & Career Development Resources 803-606-3650 sheri@onthehorizon.net

Remember back when you had your first management experience? The boss rejoiced over the success you would find in leading other employees, as he complimented your intelligence, professionalism and natural leadership skills. Did it feel like a snow-job? Did he mention that there was no training for your new move into greatness? Do his words still ring in your ears: “Here is your gavel and by the way, good luck”? You are not the first manager to have been awed by the key to the executive bathroom, but terrified of what was behind door number one.

For most of us, we somehow find our way into leadership roles simply by hard work and increased responsibilities. However, a real tragedy evolves when we don’t have the tools and training necessary for our growth and continued success. Many companies today would rather cut the training corners and play a game of mentoring the new manager. Unfortunately, however, most of us become managers out of necessity to lighten the loads of other managers; therefore there is no time to train. A common Catch 22 of our tightening corporate America.

So you’ve made it to management, but how are you going to stay there? Do you know the corporate rules, politics, and lean machine strategies that make great managers? Maybe not, but you do need to know the most common mistakes that can ruin a manager’s career.

Mistake #1 Forgetting to follow the basics of management
Solution: Develop strong communication and listening skills by keeping your door open and actively meeting with your staff; Set clear expectations and be consistent in your follow through; Don’t let a busy schedule keep you from the reach of your staff; Be accessible after hours.

Mistake #2 Careless staff development
Solution: Engage in smart hiring choices that focus on a great attitude, skills and education: Avoid dry, corporate job descriptions, as you may pass on real talent; Manage each employee for their success, as some need micro-management and others need independence; Offer positive reinforcements and recognition programs; Train, train and cross-train everyone; Make it a cohesive and positive TEAM.

Mistake #3 Failure to recognize issues
Solution: Choose the right employee for the right task by asking what they like or dislike in their job and what they feel successful doing; Identify how your staff learns the most effectively (on-hands training, book/online study, external training, group projects…etc.); Stay abreast of personality issues among the staff; Utilize firm, but positive conflict management techniques to resolve issues.

Mistake #4 Lack of relationships with co-managers and superiors
Solution: Take the initiative to build peer management teams for support and suggestions; Seek an uplifting relationship with at least one other manager to create fun and innovative ways for departments to meet their goals; Keep a clear and open path between yourself and your superior to avoid unspoken issues; Always work on a solution before going to your supervisor; Always use the chain of command.

Mistake #5 Failing to manage increased responsibilities
Solution: Set your priorities daily, weekly and monthly; Remind your staff that you have obligations that must be addressed and can they help you in what ever way you see fit; Stay organized and planned, but set boundaries to prevent overload; Refuse the evil of procrastination, but rather handle things as they come or delegate the responsibility; Take a break and walk out of your work area 2-3 times per day, as this can help give you a fresh perspective.

As you read through these common mistakes, you have probably recognized at least one that is familiar to you. Fortunately, the learning process never ends, as we fine tune our management skills and style. These common mistakes are easily rectified for the dedicated manager. However, it is important to note that within each of these mistakes, rests a lesson to be learned. The lesson may be as simple as changing a procedure or as complex as re-evaluating an entire staff. The good news is that through hard lessons, most managers have found rewarding careers. So the next time you find a barrier in your management role, remember that we learn more by working through an issue, rather than avoiding it.







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Career Development Experience
13 years of combined responsibilities in professional recruitment; career planning and strategies; executive resume writing; private and group career coaching; staff development and training; needs assessment studies and published author. Sheri conducts career development public seminars, keynote addresses and on-site training for the clients of national and international training companies, SkillPath Seminars and Jist Training Institute.

Employment Experience
Experienced in not-for-profit/volunteer retention; temporary and permanent recruitment in the accounting and financial fields; supervisory and management promotions; recognized by the largest international financial recruiting firm as their top permanent placement recruiter in the world; trainer/facilitator, and currently small business owner in the career development industry.

Education
University of South Carolina
Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Public Speaking Concentration)

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