First-time manager? Here’s how to build ‘boss brain’

Being a manager is never easy. And if you have never supervised others, the feat can be even more daunting. 

Managers are often spinning several plates: leading by example, setting and exceeding goals for your team, keeping workflow moving, providing support, and keeping employees motivated, engaged, and productive . . . all while adhering to your company’s objectives. If you haven’t done it before, it can be overwhelming. 

It’s almost like having to activate an entirely new part of your brain. Luckily, experts say creating “boss brain” is within anyone’s reach, regardless of leadership experience . . . or lack thereof.

Listen and react to the feedback of your team

To develop a leadership mentality, it doesn’t necessarily start by trying to muster up more confidence. Rather, it can start by simply listening to your new direct reports. Show them that you care. Ask your team specific questions about their well-being, and identify ways to alleviate some of the challenges they are facing.

According to the 2025-2026 Aflac WorkForces Report, “fewer than half [48%] of employees believe their employer cares about them, down from 54% in 2024, and nearly 1 in 5 employees [18%] believe their company doesn’t care about their mental health at all,” says Matthew Owenby, chief strategy officer and head of human resources at Aflac in Columbus, Georgia.

Part of developing “boss brain” means also developing your empathy muscle.

Zero in on direct reports’ individual strengths

Another component of a manager’s role is to meet goals. But when you’re first becoming a boss, it helps to get more granular and specific with your direct reports. Discover ways to best leverage people’s individual strengths. And then, share their accomplishments, pointing out to the rest of the organization how their contributions strengthen the team and the overall organization.  

“Done effectively, this can foster a sense of camaraderie, shared accountability and, ultimately, belonging—which is vital to a healthy and productive workplace,” Owenby adds.  

The same workplace survey revealed that when employees have a strong sense of purpose, they are more likely to report job satisfaction, be more engaged, have strong relationships with colleagues and superiors, and be less likely to experience workplace stress and burnout—all of which contribute to employee retention, he notes.

Recall what it was like not to be a boss

As a newly minted boss, you understand the feelings and challenges of being an employee. “Managers who were recently individual contributors have a unique perspective because they can empathize with the employees they are responsible for overseeing,” Owenby says. 

To develop the “manager mindset,” he says it’s important to zero in on what a manager’s role is: to ensure the team is engaged and that members have what they need to do their best work. After all, you were in their very position not too long ago. Use that insight to your advantage—it’s one that folks who’ve been in leadership for years or decades may be less in touch with.

A leadership mentality is “about showing up with purpose, inspiring others, and staying curious about what’s happening outside your bubble,” says Katrina Cole, principal program manager and chief of staff in Total Rewards and Technology Human Resources at AT&T.

The transition from team member to boss can be tricky. Cole, who’s based in Plano, Texas, says staying true to yourself is a step in the right direction. “It is definitely a shift, and my advice is to keep the friendships, but be clear about your new role. Set expectations and create boundaries, but continue to lead with empathy.” 

Take it step by step

Sometimes the only way to build leadership skills is to just . . . do it. Build confidence with small daily wins that help your team succeed. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, notes Owenby, as you’re not expected to know everything.

“Confidence comes from doing. Every time you coach someone, make a tough call, or drive a result, you are reinforcing your ability to lead,” Cole adds. She says that leadership is a journey, not a destination. “If you’re just starting out, remember that your mindset matters more than your résumé. Lead with purpose, act with urgency, and never stop learning.”

Amy Morin, a psychotherapist in Marathon, Florida, and author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do, agrees. “Confidence is gained by taking action,” she emphasizes. “Take small steps toward acting like a confident leader. Every time you do, you begin to shift the way you see yourself. You also shift the way other people see you.”

Understand the psychological shift

Cole says “boss brain” is a fun phrase, but it’s more than just flipping a switch. It’s about changing how you see your role. “You’re not just responsible for your own work anymore. You’re responsible for helping others succeed and understanding the value of their contributions.”

From her experience, Cole says leaders who create space for honest conversations and clear expectations tend to outperform those who rely on authority. “We teach managers to lead from wherever they are, be transparent, and stay adaptable, especially in our fast-moving, market-based culture.”

“It’s important to ensure people feel heard and validated,” Morin says. “Asking questions regularly and checking in invites them to discuss issues.”

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