SECTION A

Read the article below and answer ALL the following questions

CHALLENGES NEW MANAGERS MUST CONQUER

Struggling as a Manager?

It's tough to make the transition from an individual contributor who does the work well, to a leader who must continue to do the work plus lead others. Many first$-$time managers feel that no one understands what they're going through and find themselves stuggling as a manager.

The numbers prove it:

$\backslash (20\backslash \%\backslash )$ of first$-$time managers are doing a poor job, according to the ir subordinates. $\backslash (26\backslash \%\backslash )$ of first$-$time managers feel they weren't ready to lead others to begin with. Almost $\backslash (60\backslash \%\backslash )$ say they never received any training when they transitioned into their first leadership role. No wonder $\backslash (50\backslash \%\backslash )$ of managers in organizations are rated as ineffective.

Our researchers found that those new to managerial roles often struggle at making the identity shift needed as they transition from being an individual contributor doing the work themselves, to a leader of others in doing their work. As outlined in our white paper, that these are the $12$ most common challenges of management $-$ especially for those who are new to leading others $-$ and the skills needed to tackle these common challenges.

$1.$ Leading former peers.

First$-$time managers often find it difficult to transition from being a friend or colleague to being a superior, all while maintaining positive personal relationships and gaining respect. New skills needed include influencing others, managing, and coordinating employees who aren't in their direct line of authority.

$2.$ Balancing the new workload.

First$-$time managers must learn to be leaders while still being productive employees themselves. New skills needed include time management, stress management, relationship management, and industry$-$specific expertise.

$3.$ Driving team achievement

First$-$time managers must provide leadership and guidance to their team when directions and expectations are unclear, a challenge that's magnified when leading hybrid teams. New skills needed include the ability to give directions to team members and monitor the team's work to stay organized and meet deadlines, the ability to build and lead a team, and the ability to maintain or enhance team chemistry.

$4.$ Navigating the organization.

First$-$time managers now must learn to assert their opinions to upper$-$level management, including speaking for their subordinates or department. New skills needed include gaining visibility with upper management, gaining an understanding of the company's corporate structure, its culture, and politics; and navigating organizational change for themselves and their team. Those without strong political skill may find themselves struggling as a manager.