Card 1 — The Goal
🗓️ The 20-Minute 1-on-1: Weekly, same structure every time: 5 minutes on wins, 10 on roadblocks, 5 on 'how can I support you.' Keep one running doc per person — patterns show up by month two.
Boss Moves, Week One: 5 Habits for Your First Time Managing People
Card 2 — Step 1
📦 The Delegation Script: 'Here's the goal, here's the deadline, here's what success looks like.' Say all three every time you hand off work — clear expectations upfront are the antidote to micromanaging.
Card 3 — Step 2
🥪 The Feedback Upgrade: Ditch the compliment sandwich. Use: 'Here's what worked → here's what to adjust → here's how I'll support you.' Actionable, honest, and nobody's bracing for the 'but.'
Card 4 — Step 3
🤝 The Former-Peer Reset: Day one, say it plainly: 'My role changed, but I still want us to work well together — I'll be clear and fair.' One sentence kills months of awkwardness.
Card 5 — The Cheat Sheet
🛡️ The Shield Rule: When leadership pushes an unrealistic deadline, tell your team: 'I'll handle the negotiation — you focus on the work.' Absorbing that pressure is the job; trust is the payoff.