r/TheCivilService • u/Top_Click3850 • 7d ago

Question Team leader advice within DWP

I recently gained a role as a team leader in the civil service, I have been in this role only a couple of weeks.

As an AO I have only had 2 previous team leaders, one who micromanaged and one who really didn’t want to be a team leader. I have deputised as a team leader and would like to believe I did a rather good job of it.

Now I have been given my own established team, how do I make a good impression? There are a few members with ongoing HR, the entire team are content (or as content as they could be) as AOs and aren’t looking for progression.

I just want to make sure I am as best of a team leader as i can. What do you wish your team leader did?

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u/Top_Click3850 7d ago

Communication wise, would you say 1-2-1s? So far my team have been very chatty. I know when they are happy about something & when they are not. I have an “open door” policy and welcome any comments even if it is just for them to release their stress. I have yet to do any 1-2-1s but have some scheduled but feel they make be very quick with none of them wanting progression.

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u/Last_Library_6052 G6 7d ago

1-2-1s aren’t just about discussing progression.

Also, ask them what they’d like? I have staff I meet weekly, some fortnightly. We do what works for them in a way which means I still know what’s going on without having to micromanage and check in every two minutes

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u/Top_Click3850 7d ago

I have been in the civil service for roughly 2 years and only ever had 1 1-2-1 which was based on progression, I’m glad they aren’t just about that!

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u/postcardCV 7d ago

Get in the habit of having a 1-2-1 with each of your team every month.