Why New Managers Struggle—and How to Fix It

What this episode covers

In this episode of Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge, Mike Mahoney speaks with Eric Girard, a management development expert with more than 30 years of experience helping new managers succeed. The conversation focuses on why the transition into management is so difficult—and why most organizations do little to prepare people for it. Eric explains that many new managers are promoted because they were exceptional individual contributors, only to discover that what made them successful before no longer applies. Instead of doing more tasks, managers must learn to lead people, build trust, and get results through others. Without guidance, many default to micromanagement and damage team morale. A major theme is empathy. Eric describes empathy as listening deeply and acknowledging the human side of work, especially in today’s environment of constant change. He distinguishes empathy from sympathy and explains why emotional intelligence is a critical leadership skill. The episode also explores practical frameworks new managers can apply immediately, including goal-setting, delegation, team SWOT analysis, and change management. Eric shares lessons from his own early failures, including being promoted and immediately tasked with managing an employee out—without preparation or support. Eric also introduces his book, Lead Like a Pro: The Essential Guide for New Managers, which provides a step-by-step roadmap for making the management transition successfully.

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