Common mistakes new managers make (and fixes)

Three traps — and how to avoid them.

1) Playing the hero. Doing everything yourself isn’t leadership — it’s a bottleneck. Fix: delegate outcomes, not tasks, and remove roadblocks.

2) Avoiding tough conversations. Problems fester. Fix: use short, clear scripts; address behavior, not identity; always with respect.

3) Treating people like projects. Tasks matter, people matter more. Fix: treat people like people — listen, recognize effort, build trust.

Do these three well and you’ll feel momentum fast — engagement rises, friction drops, and results follow.

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