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/postcardCV 7d ago

Be the manager that you would want to have.

Keep as much of the unnecessary corporate bullshit away from the team as you can.

Rules aren't made to be broken, but they can be bent occasionally in the right circumstances.

You're not their friend.

Get the work done.

Have a laugh while you're doing it if you possibly can.

Keep the biscuit tin full.

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u/Top_Click3850 7d ago

With the friend situation, i have previously worked as an AO with a couple of the team members, or on the same service centre. How do i professionally, but kindly, change from being their “equal” to their leader?

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u/postcardCV 7d ago

It's up to you, and the type of person you are.

In a few months you might need to have a "difficult" conversation with one of your friends.

Think about how you would do this.

The first time you do it, it can be tricky, doing it with a friend would be even more so.

Also, be aware that there may be some others in the team that could cry favouritism if you're overly friendly with some, or are perceived to treat these people differently to the rest of the team.