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Managing people can be one of the most fulfilling parts of your job, but it can also be one of the most draining and stressful. You’ve got team meetings to handle, deadlines, one-to-ones, and you’ve also got to make sure that everyone’s on the same page, so it’s easy to feel like you’re just firefighting rather than getting anything done. The good news is there are ways to make things easier and lower the pressure you’re feeling (and that your team might be feeling), and with that in mind, keep reading to find out more.

Be Clear From The Start

A lot of stress comes from people not fully understanding what’s expected of them, and if roles, responsibilities, or goals aren’t clearly spelled out, it’s going to just lead to confusion, crossed wires, and frustration on both sides. That’s why it’s crucial to take the time to set expectations right from the beginning – plus you’ve got to keep them consistent – and that can make a big difference. It basically helps your team feel more confident, and it takes some of the weight off your shoulders as well.

Let People Own Their Work

It’s tempting to step in and double-check everything, especially when the stakes are high and you need the job done well, but that’s really not a good idea. Micromanaging tends to just slow things down and create tension, so instead, give people space to do things their own way (within reason, of course), and things will go better. Most people respond well when they’re trusted to take responsibility, and that trust can help your team grow, and that frees you up to focus on other things. 

Use Tools That Make Life Easier 

There’s no shame in making some of your admin easier – in fact, it’s a great idea. Keeping track of schedules, leave requests, performance reviews, and payroll manually can very quickly become overwhelming, but if you look into HCM systems, it can really help. They can take care of a lot of the background tasks and make it easier to stay organized, so you can spend less time on paperwork and more time on leading your team properly. 

Keep Communication Open

Managing people isn’t just about tasks and timelines – you need to remember it’s also about relationships, and building trust takes time. However, simple things like checking in regularly or asking how someone’s day is going can make a real difference, and you don’t need to make any formal meetings for that to happen – you just need to be approachable and listen, and that can go a long way in making your team feel supported. 

Be Open To Learning

You don’t need to have all the answers all the time (and in fact, that’s not going to happen). The point is that management is something that evolves over time, and even the most experienced managers are still learning as they go. That’s because every team is different, and every situation brings new challenges with it, which is why, instead of aiming for perfection, it’s better to be adaptable, thoughtful, and open to feedback. That can take the pressure off and help you feel more confident as a manager, which makes your team feel better too.