First time manager? Here’s how to build a “Master Mind.”
By Erica Lamberg | Published: 2025-11-04 09:00:00 | Source: Fast Company – leadership-2
Being a manager is never easy. And if you have never Under the supervision of others, this feat can be even more difficult
Managers often rotate several plates: leading by example, setting and exceeding goals for your team, keeping the workflow going, providing support, and keeping employees motivated, engaged, and productive. . . All while adhering to your company’s goals. If you’ve never done this before, it can be overwhelming
It’s almost like having to activate a whole new part of your brain. Fortunately, experts say creating a “boss mind” is within anyone’s reach, regardless of leadership experience. . . Or its lack thereof.
Listen and react to your team’s feedback
To develop a leadership mindset, it doesn’t necessarily start with trying to muster more confidence. It can start simply Listen To your new direct reports. Show them that you care. Ask your team specific questions about their well-being, and identify ways to mitigate some of the challenges they face.
According to Labor Force Report 2025-2026“Less than half (48%) of employees believe their employer cares about them, compared to 54% in 2024, and nearly 1 in 5 employees (18%) believe their company doesn’t care about their mental health at all,” says Matthew Owenby, chief strategy officer and head of human resources at Aflac in Columbus, Georgia.
Part of developing a “master mind” also means developing your empathy muscles.
Focus on the individual strengths of your direct reports
Another element of a manager’s role is achieving goals. But when you first become a boss, it helps to become more detailed and specific with your direct reports. Discover ways to better leverage people’s individual strengths. Then, share their accomplishments, showing the rest of the organization how their contributions strengthen the team and the organization overall.
“If done effectively, this can foster a sense of camaraderie, shared accountability and, ultimately, belonging – which is vital to a healthy and productive workplace,” adds Owenby.
The same workplace survey revealed that when employees have a strong sense of purpose, they are more likely to report job satisfaction, be more engaged, have strong relationships with colleagues and bosses, and be less likely to experience stress and burnout in the workplace — all of which contribute to employee retention, he notes.
I remember what it was like no To be president
As a new manager, you understand the feelings and challenges of being an employee. “Managers who have recently been individual contributors have a unique perspective because they can empathize with the employees they are responsible for supervising,” says Owenby.
To develop a “manager’s mindset,” he says it’s important to focus on the manager’s role: to ensure the team is engaged and that members have what they need to do their best work. After all, I was in their position not long ago. Use this insight to your advantage—it’s a quality that people who have been in leadership for years or decades may be less in touch with.
A leadership mindset “is about showing up with purpose, inspiring others, and staying interested in what’s happening outside your bubble,” says Katrina Cole, senior program manager and chief people officer for Total Rewards and Technology Human Resources at AT&T.
Transitioning from team member to boss can be difficult. Staying true to yourself is a step in the right direction, says Cole, who is based in Plano, Texas. “It’s definitely a transition, and my advice is to maintain friendships, but be clear about your new role. Set expectations and create boundaries, but continue to lead with empathy.”
Take it step by step
Sometimes the only way to build leadership skills is to just… . . Do it. Build trust through small, daily wins that help your team succeed. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, Owenby notes, because you’re not expected to know everything.
“Confidence comes from action. Every time you coach someone, make a difficult decision, or achieve a result, you strengthen your ability to lead,” Cole adds. Leadership is a journey, not a destination, she says. “If you’re just starting out, remember that your mindset is more important than your resume. Lead with purpose, act with urgency, and never stop learning
Amy Morin, a psychotherapist in Marathon, Florida, and author of 13 things mentally strong people don’t doHe agrees. “Trust is earned by taking action,” she stresses. “Take baby steps toward acting like a confident leader. Every time you do, you begin to change the way you see yourself. You also change the way others see you.”
Understanding psychological transformation
Cole says “boss brain” is a fun phrase, but it’s more than just flipping a switch. It’s about changing the way you see your role. “You’re not just responsible for your work anymore. You’re responsible for helping others succeed and understanding the value of their contributions
In her experience, Cole says that leaders who create space for honest conversations and clear expectations tend to outperform those who rely on authority. “We teach managers how to lead where they are, be transparent, and remain adaptable, especially in our fast-moving, market-based culture.”
“It’s important to make sure people feel heard and validated,” says Morin. “Regularly asking questions and recording invites them to discuss the issues.”
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(Signs for translation) Bosses
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