Q&A: What are some of the greatest challenges an assistant manager has faced in the workplace?

The question in the title was originally requested by a Quora subscriber. The response below has been updated and edited to reflect additional information. 

What are some of the challenges an assistant manager may face in the workplace? 
My response: 
Some of the greatest challenges an assistant manager regularly face includes:

1. Leading teams that were once peers and managing those relationships.
2. Managing multiple priorities that include administrative responsibilities and team engagement.
3. Understanding the financial impacts of decisions made and budget management.
4. Managing the up-level relationship with your reporting Manager.
5. Losing potential income as a salaried versus an hourly employee (If promoted). 
6. Being confident in a leadership role.
7. Potential loss of pay if previously an hourly employee (potential lower hourly rate calculation due to increased hours). 

While each of these challenges can be overwhelming, there are ways to make the experience easier. The following list provides ways in which these challenges can be addressed and help a new leader keep their sanity:

1. Former peer relationships: Recognizing that the relationships with your peers will have to change, have a conversation that details your expectations but welcomes collaborative feedback and problem resolution. Above all, ALWAYS do what you say you will do and within a reasonable timeline. Follow-up if you can’t and check-in regularly. Avoid the tendency to unrealistically over-commit. Understand your role first. Most of your peers will support you if you support them by removing obstacles from their way, acknowledging their contribution and being fair. It may take an adjustment on both sides at first, but the change can be very positive. 
2. Managing multiple priorities including team engagement:   As a new leader, it may be surprising the many priorities that a new manager may face. The primary goal is to make sure that your team is aligned with the overall department goal. As a leader, you may be called to manage an immediate operational issue, deal with an HR related issue for one of your employees and prepare a report for your manager. It will be important for you to be organized. Write things down or record them. Learn how to prioritize and delegate to protect your time. I will share more on this in another blog post. The importance of engaging in your teams, getting to know them and providing a safe work environment will go far in building trust. Also recognize their strengths and weaknesses and leverage those skills to improve team performance while also helping them to develop. ALWAYS be respectful of their time and appreciative of their efforts. Hold them respectfully accountable when applicable. ALWAYS partner with your manager and/or your HR partner during those times of conflict management.
3. Understand the financial impacts of decision made: This can sometimes be the scary part. Unfortunately, there are leaders who for various reasons opt not to share department budgets with their front-line supervision staff. I will discuss this issue in a separate blog post, or in a future e-book. The key is to understand that for every leadership or operational decision made, there is a cost attached to it. For example, you may decide to shut down early due to a "technical glitch." However, there is a special project that doesn't require the "system" that would've otherwise required overtime. Starting the special project could fill in the lost time that the "system" is down and save several hours of overtime.    The best course is to always partner with your manager as an assistant supervisor where appropriate. They may have more information that can help you make an informed decision. 
4. Managing your manager relationship: Partner with your Manager to understand your role, expectations, financials, and priorities. Also, take advantage of sharing what you need to succeed as well. Find out how they define success in the role so that you are aligned. 
5. Losing potential income: Have a frank conversation with your manager about your salary. Do your research ahead of time and check the salary for your industry and area. This will also address the potential loss of pay if you were hourly. Is your pay reflective of your time in position and the industry? Armed with your information, find out if you can get a salary increase and/or what is needed to achieve the highest increase. Take note and record all of your accomplishments throughout the year for your performance appraisal (we offer a tool in our store!) so that you can leverage it to get a salary increase at review time.
6. Being confident: Understand that confidence comes with time and experience. Be self-aware of your abilities and always seek to develop yourself through continuous learning, expanding your internal networks and leading projects. 

There are likely many more challenges, but these are usually the top. 
My additional commentary:
Becoming a manager can be an exciting but scary time. It is easy to be overwhelmed. However, it is exciting when you are able to lead a team, help them grow and support the business. Don't be afraid to ask for help, seek a mentor, take classes; things that can help you be confident. You don't have to have all of the answers. Surround yourself with knowledgeable support that can help you and your team succeed.  
​ 

Hoping the very best for you!  Please feel free to comment here or reach out if you have any questions or need a leadership coach.  Blessings!
​-Nanette