You got the promotion: congratulations! You’re now a manager and will probably be responsible for managing a team of up to 15 people, either in your present company, or in a new organization. This is obviously an exciting challenge for you, though you may feel somewhat daunted at the prospect, especially if you were previously a member of the team you will now be managing.

Provided you focus on a few specific strategies, there is no reason why such fears shouldn’t be easily overcome. This checklist is intended to give you these basic strategies and help to smooth the path forward into this new phase of your working life.

Engage with Your Team

Once you start in your new position, make this your first priority. What is the function of your department, team, or unit? What is being accomplished, where are there shortfalls? Get all your team members together and then arrange meetings with each of them individually.

Implement Some “Quick Wins”

Now is the time to plan a few goals that you can accomplish quickly and easily, which will help you to feel more at home and in control. Achieving these also eases the pressure you feel to perform and create a positive first impression, and helps to kickstart the relationship-building process.

Clarify the Expectations Others Have of You

You may be fortunate enough to have been given a detailed job description, but there are probably still large gaps in your understanding of the tasks and priorities you are responsible for. Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions to clarify these issues, and then be very honest with yourself. Can you meet these standards? If not, what might you need to do?

Show Your Commitment to Individual Development

From your initial meetings with your team, you will have an idea of their individual aspirations and hopes are for their jobs and careers. Follow up by setting a code of management practice that you make clear to all team members, and then follow it rigorously.

Lead By Example

An effective manager needs to be a role model, so it is imperative that you set an example for how you want your team members to behave.

Following these strategies will strengthen your confidence as a new manager and guide you on successful journey in your management career. Remember, not to let your mistakes lead to self-doubt: everyone makes them, and good managers learn from them, while bad ones repeat them. The pattern of behavior you set in your first three months will be extremely hard to change later, so make sure the habits you are creating are benefiting you, your subordinates and the organization.