Must-Read for New Managers: A Guide to Easily Leading Your Team and Avoiding Pitfalls

Hi! I'm Charles, thrilled to meet you all again

Honestly, today I want to talk about a crucial topic for many new managers in Web3—how to lead a team without crashing. You see, at the ETHGlobal conference in Tokyo, I often spot newly promoted managers excitedly discussing their projects, only to later show signs of confusion. Hmm…right, management isn’t just about assigning tasks; it requires wisdom, experience, and a bit of everyday insight.

Frankly, in my 10 years of Web3 recruitment and investment experience, I’ve seen too many new managers stumble due to a lack of management skills. This discussion is based on my real-world observations and experiences in Web3 companies. Don’t worry, I’ll break down complex concepts in a lighthearted way and weave in real-life examples to make them easier to grasp.

By the way, in this fast-evolving industry, team leadership is no small matter—it directly impacts project success and employee satisfaction. Let’s start with the basics.

Understanding the New Manager Role: Why Management Isn’t a Technical Upgrade

First, let’s talk about the essence of being a new manager. You might think becoming a manager is a reward after a promotion and raise, but it’s more like a shift in responsibility. Management isn’t just about giving orders; it involves motivation, communication, and decision-making. It hit me while sipping a latte at a crypto café in San Francisco—management is like brewing the perfect cup of coffee: you need precise ingredients (talent), the right water temperature (processes), and a stable environment (team culture). If any element fails, the whole cup spills.

Honestly, I’ve seen too many spills. Once at a Solana project workshop, a new manager tweaked smart contract code but ignored team dynamics—resulting in a two-week delay. Hmm…right, this is especially true in Web3, where technologies like Layer2 or Rollups evolve lightning-fast! This brings us to the key point: management skills aren’t just textbook knowledge; they require practice and adaptation.

Now, let’s dive into core management skills. First, communication is foundational. You can’t just shout slogans in meetings; it should feel as natural as chatting with friends. I often say that at events like ETHGlobal, the best leaders are those who can explain complex concepts with everyday metaphors—like comparing Gas Fees to the cost of waiting in line for coffee.

Core Management Skills: The Art of Communication, Decision-Making, and Motivation

The first secret to leading a team without crashing is communication skills. Picture meeting a stranger outside Token2049 in Hong Kong: if you can express your thoughts and expectations as naturally as offering a free coffee, half the battle is won. Specifically, set clear goals before meetings; listen to feedback during meetings; and follow up on actions afterward. Remember, in Web3, team members are often scattered globally—it’s like coordinating an international flight, requiring tools like Discord or Slack to stay connected.

Frankly, I’ve noticed during recruitment that candidates often overlook one thing: true leaders aren’t just commanders. They inspire. This ties into decision-making skills—don’t rush decisions; gather data and opinions first. I learned this during a Tokyo discussion: a successful DAO project leader made decisions through voting and consensus—like democratic elections but more efficient.

Hmm…right, motivation is also key. Web3 companies especially value innovation and freedom, so recognizing achievements matters. Think of baristas: they motivate customers with smiles and tips? Not quite! At work, you can motivate your team with bonuses, career growth opportunities, or simple praise. Team leadership isn’t just supervision; it’s about nurturing the next generation. I’ve seen StarkNet projects where new managers boosted team cohesion through mentorship programs.

Now, let’s try a quick exercise:

• Communication: Spend 15 minutes daily on one-on-one chats.
• Decision-Making: Use data dashboards to aid judgment.
• Motivation: Celebrate a quarterly "Wall of Achievements."

Unique Challenges and Strategies for Web3 Companies

Leading teams in Web3 companies comes with more challenges than traditional businesses. Honestly, in my career, the dynamism of the ETH community has been both my favorite and biggest headache—projects move from Alpha to Mainnet faster than lightning! This demands managers with exceptional adaptability. Web3 companies often have flat structures and remote work models—it’s like managing strangers on a subway.

I witnessed a crash late one night in a San Francisco meeting room: a new manager pushed a DeFi upgrade without considering Gas Fee impacts, causing network congestion. The reason? Lack of understanding of underlying tech like Rollups—which optimize resource usage like shipping containers.

Hmm…right, how to avoid such crashes? First, emphasize technical + soft skills during hiring. Team leadership in Web3 requires flexibility. For example, Solana’s ecosystem iterates rapidly, so meeting agendas can’t be rigid—adjust them like coffee machine settings.

By the way, on MyJob.one, you’ll find many roles to practice these skills. If you’re job-hunting, look for Web3 companies that prioritize management skills—like job postings mentioning "leaders with communication experience." Honestly, in past recruitment, I’ve found experienced managers better at spotting potential.

The Value of MyJob Courses: Bridging Learning and Practice

If you’re looking to boost your team leadership skills, the MyJob Courses are a must-try! Frankly, in my professional experience, many job seekers overlook a key point: management isn’t innate; it’s cultivated. MyJob Courses offer structured learning paths, covering basics like communication to advanced decision-making.

For instance, MyJob Courses include modules on leading remote teams—highly relevant in Web3. At ETHGlobal Tokyo, I’ve seen participants grow more confident after these courses. Once, a flight delay cost me an interview, but it also made me reflect on time management and prioritization—core management skills.

Hmm…right, MyJob Courses aren’t just theory; they encourage application. One learner successfully migrated an Optimistic Rollup project using tools like Trello and Notion post-course.

In short, MyJob Courses are invaluable for career growth. If you’re exploring Web3 roles, invest in management skills—they’ll pay dividends throughout your career.

Real Case Studies and Personal Insights

Let me share a personal story. Last year, at a party celebrating a successful DAO upgrade, I met a young friend—freshly promoted to manager at a small firm. Excited but anxious, he asked, “Charles, how do I lead without crashing?” We talked… Honestly, on that rainy night (with rain tapping outside), I shared a core principle: “Management isn’t control; it’s empowerment.” Result? He delivered two major milestones in six months.

Hmm…right, later at Token2049, I observed how successful team leaders balanced motivation and decisions—measuring “sugar” (resources) as precisely as baristas. By the way, data shows salary negotiation trends: Career Development paths often demand stronger management skills, so never underestimate their value.

A word from the wise: Recently, I was amazed by a StarkNet project manager who eased anxiety with metaphors—“Don’t worry about Gas Fees being like long queues; let’s optimize workflows.” This human touch built immense trust.

Closing Thoughts: Embrace Change, Become a Better Leader

Hello again! If you're a new manager in the Web3 space, remember this journey is all about growth and resilience. I've seen too many great ideas fail because of poor management, but with the right management techniques, you can turn challenges into opportunities.

In the end, being a leader isn't about avoiding mistakes—it's about learning from them and inspiring your team to do the same. So, take a deep breath, embrace the chaos (like waiting in line for coffee), and keep pushing forward.

Luckily, there are resources like MyJob.one">MyJob.one, which connects talent with opportunities in Web3—just think of it as your toolkit for career development!