In Parts 1 and 2, I focused on how new managers can begin to make the transition from being a team member to being in charge.

Recession depression is definitely impacting your people.

What is recession depression?

It is fatigue. It is low morale due to the way that people have been treated over the past year. It is the "doing more with less" that seems endless after a year or more of having to do more with less.

One of the most frustrating experiences people can have in the workplace is when there are unspoken expectations between a team member and a manager.

In a typical employment situation, certain expectations, such as salary, hours, and job duties, are clearly understood by both employer and employee. Other expectations, however, are so intimately linked to an individual’s concept of work that they often go unspoken or unacknowledged.

What’s your role in your organization? Who are your customers – internal and external?

A common mistake that I see too many people making is that they think their role means that everyone else in the organization should revolve around them.

Take for example a Human Resource Professional, a Communications Manager, and a Sales person.

I am on my 6th iphone. Yup, number 6.

The problem is that the phone does everything really well, except make phone calls.

And that's a issue for me, since I spend an enormous amount of time on the phone with my clients.

Last week was the last straw. So, as I had done five times in the past, I made an appointment with a Genius at the Apple store and filed my complaint.

Making the transition from peer to manager can be challenging.  Change of status and responsibility when you transition into a leadership role can affect both personal and work relationships.   I first encountered this type of challenge and opportunity as a young army officer.   One day I was playing golf with my buddy, and the next day he was reporting to me as my Operations Officer.

As I work with organizations and teams around the country, I see two sets of common symptoms that may indicate a new manager is struggling.

Have you ever stepped back and watched team members respond to a decision?

It’s really an interesting dynamic to watch.

I just watched a group of mid-level managers react to a decision that their management team made - three months ago. There clearly is not commitment amongst this group (once again, these are mid-level managers).

I am engaged! It's true. I proposed on January 29th and my gal said yes.

Although we've been sharing the good news with essentially anyone who will listen (including people I've never met on my most recent back country ski hut trip), I've been anxious to tell you.

I was waiting to announce the news to a bunch of friends at a gathering at my house this last friday night. Each year I create a slideshow of friends' pics capturing the amazing moments of the past year. Friday night's included a few extras - of our engagement.

I wish you and your loved ones a happy New Year! I am especially thankful for how you have have touched my life. May 2010 bring you health and happiness.

To your success.

Sal