When I first became a manager, I had minimal experience in management in general. Thrown into the fire of a management position was not only a saying but the way of passage. We loved that feeling of taking on our new challenge and role, and it was a sense of pride. 

I did my best to adapt where I could learn everything about the people who reported to me. I dove into that fire knowing of the pains, all the bullshit that might come, and I was ready.

I had very little support, honestly.

Sure, I had fellow peers who would pop in from time to time to see how I was doing. However, they were busy putting out fires of their own or dealing with the business's daily stresses. That is how it went and how it goes with so many positions.

There is little time to train someone as a manager.

"Don't worry, they'll learn on their own; they have done this job!"

And often, the manager promoted came from the trenches of the work they are now managing. They have seen all the excellent and poor examples of their jobs. They have their views on how "I would run the department" or function.

While promoting from the "trenches" works great, it leads to a massive void in the aspect of real leadership. Just because you know they work well does not mean you can efficiently manage the people who do the work.

These promotions happen every day, and it is easy to place a person into a management role, primarily if they have worked in the domain and area they will manage. However, again does this mean they are suited or prepared for management?

What happens next? The newly promoted manager, supervisor, boss, and lead is now on google feverishly searching for support.

When you look around for training, the sheer number of classes and courses available is enough to make you lost. They all offer some training, some certificate to which at the end you are certified and ready to tackle management!

We all know this ends in some chaos.

Sure, the content and training do cover the very basics of management 101. Furthermore, they will have little to no impact on becoming a true leader. These courses do an abysmal job of navigating the complexities of leadership and the persons you serve.

Notice I applied the expression leadership as well as serve?

Management can be something that is abused and used to weld power. Not all will do this. However, the role can come with ego challenges. After all, you are in a position that can produce positive or negative results. Tiptoeing between the "power" is something everyone needs to hold up and front.

I noted "there is little time to train someone as a manager" above in the article. What if we looked at this differently?

While there is little time to train, there is ample time to groom someone into a leadership role. And while many probably had some degree of "grooming," it is likely not enough to make waves significantly. After all, the person grooming you has their role in serving and cannot be there with you every moment. That is the unfortunate reality.

Please bring me a coach!

A coach becomes such a huge game-changer. A leadership coach can help you vastly by providing guidance and grooming while doing from an outsider's perspective. While this coach can be internal to your business, maybe an adjacent leader. I would put my money and time into one that sits far away from the politics of your current business. Someone who has no obscure filter or view into your daily can immensely help you and coach.

Coaches are like shoes, and I say this as the reality of it.

There are many shoes; they come in many styles, sizes and are worn to aid in many different situations. You wouldn't lace up Jordans to tap dance, albeit that would be cool and noteworthy. You get the notion, hopefully.

As I sit here and write this:

I know my abilities to coach and help may not align with everyone who needs the coaching. 

It would be best if you found your perfect fit. An authentic coach will listen to you, offer their experience and advice, and the match should be mutual. The core of the coaching solution should not be about money or clients one can rack up. To me, a coach is there to partner and assist you through your everyday struggles, career challenges and share in the bi-directional conversation and improvements.

How is this possible if I just started and have little money?

I know I will "break" the internet, but coaching is not about money. A true leader can serve and lead without compensation.

Wait, give your service for free?

Yes, it is not uncommon for folks to work on pro bono circumstances. We promote allowing your passions to rise to the top. Live a life where you encourage your authentic desires.

If that means giving back, then why not?

I learned a lesson that you also know. When your passions serve you, they also help others and lead to wealth. Wealth does not have to be in a physical monetary format. The return is via the output of your happiness. If your mental and physical state rewards, then you have gained overall.

While free is great, you will need to choose to invest in yourself genuinely.

Ultimately at some point, the coaching services will become something you truly need to invest in. Although some of the coachings could be pro bono, you'll need to make a solid investment to acquire the right person. 

If you are looking to make significant improvements and better the people around you, this should be a priority.

Need some help? Don't be afraid to contact us.

We offer pro bono services and enhanced partnerships. Unlike these online courses and certs, we are here to partner with you throughout your new role. 

You will not have to wait until the next course arrives. You literally can pick up the phone and or meet virtually. That is one of the best values of having a coach, real-time access, and coaching when you need it the most!

If you are serious about your newly founded leadership role and would like a coach, contact us!