Top 10 Mistakes New Managers Make in Africa — And How to Avoid Them

Becoming a manager for the first time is a proud moment — but it can also be overwhelming. In many African workplaces, first-time managers are promoted without formal leadership training, leading to avoidable setbacks and team frustration.

Understanding the common mistakes new managers make can help you lead with more confidence, clarity, and credibility from the start.

Here are 10 mistakes to watch out for — and what to do instead.

1. Acting Like “One of the Team” — When You’re Now the Leader

Many new managers struggle with shifting from peer to leader. Trying too hard to remain “one of the team” can blur boundaries and create confusion.

What to do instead:
Build respectful relationships, but set clear expectations. You can be approachable without compromising your role as a decision-maker.

2. Micromanaging Everything

You want to do well — so you check every detail, hover over your team, and redo their work. But micromanagement kills morale and trust.

Try this:
Delegate with guidance, not control. Set clear expectations, then trust your team to execute. Step in only when needed.

3. Avoiding Difficult Conversations

New managers often fear conflict, so they delay giving feedback or addressing poor performance. This creates unresolved tension and slows team growth.

The fix:
Have regular check-ins. Give feedback early, directly, and respectfully. Small corrections now prevent bigger issues later.

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4. Not Setting Clear Expectations

You assume your team knows what to do — but they don’t. Vague instructions lead to missed deadlines, mistakes, and unnecessary stress.

Instead:
Communicate clearly. Use SMART goals. Define what success looks like and how progress will be measured.

5. Doing Everything Yourself

It’s tempting to keep doing what made you successful before your promotion — being the go-to problem solver. But leadership is not about being the hero.

Do this instead:
Shift from execution to delegation. Your job is to grow the team’s capacity, not carry the weight alone.

6. Ignoring Team Dynamics

Many new managers focus only on tasks and performance — but forget the human side. Unaddressed team tensions or miscommunication can quietly sabotage results.

Start here:
Pay attention to how people feel, not just what they do. Encourage collaboration, recognize contributions, and build psychological safety.

7. Failing to Ask for Help

Some new managers think asking for help is a sign of weakness. But no one expects you to know everything — and trying to fake it can hurt your credibility.

A better approach:
Reach out to mentors, HR, or your own manager. Join leadership workshops. Learning is part of leading.

Our LeadIn Accelerator supports new African managers navigating this exact transition.

8. Over-Promising and Under-Delivering

To prove themselves, new managers may say “yes” to everything — and then struggle to deliver. The result? Broken trust and personal burnout.

Fix this by:
Being realistic about what you and your team can handle. Say no with context. Prioritize based on impact.

9. Not Developing Your People

Some new managers focus so much on performance that they forget to develop the team’s potential. Over time, this creates stagnation and turnover.

Do this instead:
Identify growth opportunities. Offer stretch projects, mentorship, or training. A strong manager builds a strong bench.

10. Neglecting Your Own Development

New managers are often so busy managing others, they forget to manage themselves. Without continuous growth, you risk falling behind or burning out.

Try this:
Block time for learning. Reflect on your wins and mistakes. Get coached. Leadership is a skill — not a status.

Final Thoughts

The mistakes new managers make aren’t always obvious — until it’s too late. But with awareness and support, you can avoid the common traps and lead with confidence.

Leadership isn’t about knowing it all. It’s about showing up, growing daily, and helping others thrive.

Related Reads:

• How to Transition from Employee to Emerging Leader in Africa
• 10 Signs You’re Ready for a Leadership Role in Africa
• What Makes a Good Manager in Africa’s Modern Workplace

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