Top 5 challenges new managers face (and how to overcome them)
Stepping into management is one of the biggest transitions in any career. Moving from being part of the team to leading the team brings new responsibilities, expectations, and challenges. For first-time managers, it’s normal to feel both excited and a little overwhelmed.
The good news? With the right strategies, you can overcome these challenges and thrive in your new role.
1. Leading Former Peers
One of the trickiest parts of becoming a manager is leading people who were once your peers. It can feel awkward to shift from being “one of the team” to the person responsible for performance, decisions, and direction.
How to overcome it:
Set clear expectations early, while showing respect for existing relationships
Communicate openly and focus on team goals, not personal authority
Build trust by being consistent, fair, and supportive
2. Delegation
Many new managers struggle to let go of tasks they used to do well. The instinct is to keep “doing” instead of leading. But holding on to everything creates bottlenecks and burnout.
How to overcome it:
Recognise that delegation is not about giving away work—it’s about empowering others
Match tasks to team members’ strengths and provide the right level of guidance
Remember that your role is to enable the team’s success, not to do everything yourself
3. Difficult conversations
Whether it’s giving constructive feedback or addressing performance issues, difficult conversations are part of the job. Avoiding them only makes problems worse.
How to overcome it:
Prepare by focusing on facts, not emotions
Keep the conversation respectful and solution-focused
Show empathy while holding people accountable
4. Time Management
New managers often find themselves caught between managing their own workload and supporting the team. Without good time management, it’s easy to feel stretched too thin.
How to overcome it:
Prioritise what only you can do and delegate the rest
Use tools like calendars, to-do lists, and time-blocking to stay organised
Schedule regular check-ins with your team to prevent last-minute surprises
5. Building confidence
Many new managers experience imposter syndrome, doubting whether they’re ready to lead. Confidence doesn’t come overnight—it grows with experience and support.
How to overcome it:
Acknowledge that self-doubt is normal, especially at the start
Celebrate small wins and reflect on progress
Seek feedback and mentorship to keep learning and growing
Ready to Tackle These Challenges?
At Frontline Management Institute, we understand the challenges new managers face—and we’re here to help.
👉 Explore our New Manager Training course to gain practical tools to build confidence, lead effectively, and set yourself up for long-term success.
