You did it! You got that promotion or new job that means you'll be leading a team. It's an achievement in itself, but here's where the really hard-work begins!

If you're new to management, taking charge (and responsibility) of a group of people can be a daunting task, but fear not; help is on hand. We've compiled this handy guide to give you some ideas as to how to go about approaching your new role. Of course, you can always try our Management Skills for New Managers Training which teaches you everything you need to become a confident and successful manager.

1/ Prepare

We all know the classic adage"failing to prepare is preparing to fail" but in this circumstance it most certainly holds true. As you are a new manager, it's unlikely that you've done much research into it before now. Well, now is the time!

You've made a good start by reading this post, but there are literally hundreds of resources available to you on the subject (that go into much more detail on specific areas within management) so make use of them. In terms of research prior to starting the job, this is what you should be looking at:

• Management definitions- know exactly how your new job will differ to your old one in terms of roles and responsibility.
• Management styles - be aware of the different management styles that can be adopted and begin thinking about the style most suited to you.
• Techniques - everything from how to go about hiring and firing to how to talk to staff, it will all help in the long-run.

Another important aspect of preparation is talking to other managers. Whether this is your old/current boss or other newbies on online networks, talking to people that are going or have gone through the same things as you is a great way to absorb knowledge and identify pitfalls.

Also, begin thinking about goals and ask yourself these questions:

• What does your team need to achieve, with you at the helm?
• What does your boss expect of you?
• What do you expect of yourself and want to achieve?

So that's the preparation, now for starting in your new role!

2/ Establish Yourself

It's a tired cliché but you need to start as you mean to go on in management. So think about these things on your first day:

• Scheduling an introductory team meeting/informal meet-up over coffee- formally and/or informally introduce yourself to your team and anyone who you'll be working with closely.

• Displaying your management style from the start- bear in mind that if you intend to have a stern management style, starting your first day in a timid or jokey fashion can ruin that before it's begun.
• Communicating your expectations - lay the ground rules and needs from the start and people will be more likely to respect them. Make sure every member of your team knows what will be expected of them.

3/ Engage with your Team

Once you've gotten yourself established you need to maintain that momentum. The best way to do that is to communicate with your team regularly, have one-on-ones and group meetings so you can -

• Find their strengths -Knowing the strengths of each team member will allow you to assign them tasks according to their skill-set, meaning better results for you!
• Ask for their ideas - You are no longer a one man (or woman) army. By deliberately seeking out ideas from each team-member you'll make them feel both included and valued.
• Be visible - you don't necessarily need to be on hand to answer every tiny question or solve every issue but you do need to be seen to be 'there'. That means regular check-ins with team members, even if only for a few seconds and couple of words. Keep in regular contact, and the team will not feel they have any reason or opportunity to slack off.

4/ Reward and Discipline

At some point in your managerial career you are going to have to fire someone. You might as well get used to that fact now because accepting it and moving on is better than burying it until you have no choice but to face it. We cover hiring and firing in depth on our Management Courses.

Aside from that extreme side of disciplining, there will be day-to-day disciplining too. In terms of this:

• Use the Carrot and Stick - some people say this technique is old hat and ineffective, but I'd argue that it's still a useful approach to motivation. There are certainly better ways, which that article goes into in more detail, but in terms of a broad strategy, rewarding good work and punishing bad work is a technique that has spanned centuries for a reason.
• Use your HR department - it's what they are for! Make sure you are following the correct company and legal procedures at all times and the HR department will greatly appreciate you for this. Rather that, than them having to deal with the repercussions of a mismanaged disciplinary action later down the line.

5/ Lead by Example

It's no good doing all of the above if in your own work you cut corners or have a shoddy output. Your team will look to you as a role model. In this sense it's important to:

• Keep on top of your work - you'll have more paperwork now you're a manager. Get it done!
• Be on time - quite a simple one; just because you're a manager doesn't give you the luxury of coming and going as and when it suits you. Get to work at the same time as (or preferably earlier than) your team.
• Work hard and make sure your team can see that you work hard - to avoid the clich of being seen as a manager who brings little to the table, make sure your team are aware of what you do.

Do these things and you'll be on your way to being a great manager, but remember it's a learning curve. People will forgive genuine mistakes as long as you recognise and learn from them. A great way to learn and develop as a manager is to imitate the best so check out our post -5 Management Lessons from History's Greatest Leaders.

Above all though, enjoy the journey, it's tough but ultimately rewarding!