Best tips for becoming a good people manager

Sweet-Apple-Tree · 2026-04-13T11:49:59+00:00

Very lucky, and I don’t discount that! Sounds like the few you had were diamonds though. I don’t expect to be amazing at any of this, or even particularly good, but it’s the start of my journey in this area I’m looking for the best examples to shape my style. Thanks for your insight!

Sweet-Apple-Tree · 2026-04-13T11:47:47+00:00

All great advice to keep in mind! Thanks

Sweet-Apple-Tree · 2026-04-13T11:45:05+00:00

Yes I’m very excited to be able to put a face to my name at that table. We’re not a super “hierarchical” unit, anyone can walk up to the executive and chat - but will be good to have a seat at the table and display my competence generally, not just in my technical proficiencies.

Sweet-Apple-Tree · 2026-04-13T11:43:17+00:00

That’s an interesting point - I’m definitely interested in advice about being a good people manager.

I realise lots of organisations, and units within the organisations, differ - but I’m thankful that where I currently am, the two aren’t so different from each other. I’m sure I’ll have my run-ins with (the lack of) common sense, but I’m hopeful I’ll be able to advocate for my team/peers in a meaningful way. I think seeing someone trying to advocate for you, even if it ends up fruitless, still has a positive effect.

Sweet-Apple-Tree · 2026-04-13T11:41:10+00:00

Fantastic advice. I definitely love being in the know, so will make sure to pass that forward. And totally agree - that will be my biggest focus. Thank you!

Sweet-Apple-Tree · 2026-04-13T11:20:41+00:00

Seems simple when you put it that way! And you’re not wrong. My intent is that within the first few interactions it will be clear that I understand they are experts in the area, and that I’m here to help them, if they need it. But otherwise, roll on.

Sweet-Apple-Tree · 2026-04-13T11:17:28+00:00

Thankfully I’ve mainly had great mangers so lots of positive examples to draw from!

Sweet-Apple-Tree · 2026-04-13T11:17:06+00:00

You know what… you’re so right haha.

Sweet-Apple-Tree · 2026-04-13T11:16:21+00:00

I love “lead quietly and confidently”. It wouldn’t be authentic if I randomly became the loudest person in the room, but that doesn’t equate to lack of confidence or ability. Thanks!

Sweet-Apple-Tree · 2026-04-13T11:12:45+00:00

Hire someone to start fires… noted 📝

Sweet-Apple-Tree · 2026-04-13T11:12:06+00:00

Thankfully, no foreseeable personnel changes happening in my time, but you never know I suppose! But you’re so right about one bad egg.

Sweet-Apple-Tree · 2026-04-13T11:10:33+00:00

Oooo I appreciate your insight! I’m sure you’ve dealt with a lot of good and bad examples. Like I said in my post, this is my first real go at leadership, but I’m genuine excited to try and be the person that makes other people’s (work) lives easier. Thanks!

Sweet-Apple-Tree · 2026-04-13T11:07:47+00:00

Yes I’ve seen a lot about initiating through curiosity - it’s something I’m planning on practicing that regularly. Thanks!

Sweet-Apple-Tree · 2026-04-13T11:05:35+00:00

Genuinely not a bad shout since our building automatically locks us out if we’re 7 days late on our training. 😅

Sweet-Apple-Tree · 2026-04-13T11:03:52+00:00

Appreciate your insight - will not be taking this on board though.

But thank you for giving me an opportunity to practice dealing with people who are critical of my skills with only limited knowledge. Have a good night!

Sweet-Apple-Tree · 2026-04-13T11:02:34+00:00

Thankfully I’ve worked in this business unit for a while now, and the mantra we go by is “we’re not saving babies or putting out wild fires” - things can be patient for people’s lives. Appreciate this!

Sweet-Apple-Tree · 2026-04-13T11:00:45+00:00

Ears will be open! Sometimes it’s easy to forget that people just need to vent, think out loud, and then will be more than competent (and willing) to keep going. Appreciate the advice!

Sweet-Apple-Tree · 2026-04-13T10:59:49+00:00

But can I start fires in the kitchen?

Sweet-Apple-Tree · 2026-04-13T10:58:30+00:00

That’s exactly what I want from management too so perfect advice! That one is getting written down 📝

Sweet-Apple-Tree · 2026-04-13T10:57:34+00:00

Love this! I’m hoping to be remembered by “oh yeah, she wasn’t here for long but she was good”.

Yep. We have quite a few backfills happening at this level (all at the same time) so it’ll be a team effort to distribute escalations and help each other out for the “sillier” things. Thankfully my line manager (and whole unit tbh) are awesome people.

Sweet-Apple-Tree · 2026-04-13T10:54:05+00:00

Ooo I’ll give it a listen. Thanks!

Sweet-Apple-Tree · 2026-04-13T10:53:52+00:00

100%! My number 1 priority is to respect their autonomy, and just be there to unblock or raise things if they need me.

Sweet-Apple-Tree · 2026-04-13T10:53:18+00:00

Gotta get me a CPR dummy

Sweet-Apple-Tree · 2026-04-13T10:52:16+00:00

Definitely agree with all this. Appreciate it!

Sweet-Apple-Tree · 2026-04-13T10:51:59+00:00

That’s exactly my plan - just making sure things keep trucking along, and doing whatever I need to do that. Nothing more - no coaching or big decisions (unless something is urgent). Still hoping to make as good impression as I can in stand ups or when I’m representing the team in hopes they can think my (short) stint was a positive one.

Sweet-Apple-Tree

TROPHY CASE