Stepping into a management role can be daunting, especially when leading a team through an important project. As a new manager, how do you earn the respect and trust of your team while guiding them toward success? Here are three essential tips that will set you on the right path:

1. Get to Know Your Team

Building rapport is key. Make it a priority to schedule brief chats and frequent touchpoints with each team member. These don’t always have to be formal—just check-ins to discuss their work, career aspirations, and personal interests. Showing genuine interest in your team’s well-being and professional growth creates a strong foundation of trust and open communication. People are more likely to follow a leader they feel genuinely values them.

2. Align the Team with the Project’s Purpose

Every project has a reason behind it, whether driving business value or meeting a key organizational objective. Make sure your team understands this purpose. Clarify who benefits from the project and why it’s important. Then, align your team with these goals by regularly discussing how their work contributes to the bigger picture. When your team knows the "why" behind their work, they feel more connected and motivated to deliver results.

3. Stay Organized and Prepare Your Team for Success

Effective management starts with having solid processes in place. Ensure your team can access the tools, templates, and shared workspaces to stay organized. Provide any training or preparation to equip your team to perform their best. Your team will follow suit when you're organized, creating a smoother, more efficient workflow.

Bonus Tip: Monitor Progress and Stay Adaptable

Meet regularly with your team to review progress and adjust your pace of deliverables as needed. Be flexible—sometimes timelines shift, and you may need to adapt. Don’t hesitate to reassess and guide the team accordingly.

Being a new manager can feel overwhelming, but trust yourself—you’ve been promoted for a reason. You are the right person for the job, so embrace the role, support your team, and confidently lead.