They talked about making me a supervisor at work and I'm scared...

[WillParkinson]

I've never really been responsible for any success other than my own and my shift. Now I might be responsible for ensuring the department success with a extremely varied group of people.

I'm sitting here at 3:45 in the morning trying to figure out ways to move beyond how our manager deals with the department as it's been said that people feel they are not given enough encouragement and opportunities.

One of the things I've come up with is:

Associate Teams
Problems in the department will be given to teams of associates who will be responsible for coming up with ideas on how to solve the problem. While their solution may not be the one chosen it might give them confidence in working together and solving issues. We could give out assignments on how to raise revenue, how to increase check totals and the like. Instead of us coming up with all the solutions perhaps putting some trust with the associates could help us in the long run.

---

Our department is 3 shifts. And each shift feels they do more than the others. We're all fractured and I'm hoping to come up with ways to bring us together as a department. Wish me luck!

[Skittles]

1. um......Will?

I've been reading you for years and I know you'll do not just fine, but WONDERFUL. GOOD LUCK!!! :D

[WillParkinson]

2. If I don't will you come kick my ass?

Pretty please?

It might give me a jump start. :)

[Skittles]

3. ABSOLUTELY I WILL, WILL

yes sir; yes INDEED! :D

[Divine Discontent]

4. definitely a change you'll be dealing with

but as Skittles said, you're going to be fine. There will be problems, but just remember to take a slow deep breath and attack it for the best. Good luck.



http://www.cafepress.com/barackobama12

[WillParkinson]

5. Thanks DD...Part of me hopes they come to their senses...

Another part wants to be part of a positive (hopefully) change. Just not sure which one would win in an arm-wrestle.

[TorchTheWitch]

6. they picked you for this position for a reason

YOU are the best person for the job. You'll be great. Yes, you will.

[WillParkinson]

9. I wish it was that easy....

It's because I've been there 25 years and they feel that I've 'earned' it due to longevity. (In other words no one else wants to do it.)

[DCKit]

7. That's going to be a hell of a schedule, but I too think you're going to be fine. nt

[BanzaiBonnie]

8. Find a Non-violent Communication (NVC) practice group

A local business owner I know said that she always dreaded personell issues until she learned some NVC. After that, understanding people and how to work with them was actually easy.


NVC is the best psychology model I've found, and I've studied a lot of them. This is the easiest to understand and makes total sense.

[NightWatcher]

10. I'm sure things at Hooters are crazy and everything....

Kidding, but what do you do? Your post sounds like an excerpt from Office Space. Just remember your TPS cover sheets and leave the crazy guy's stapler alone.

Manager, department, opportunities, success, confidence, assignment, issues, solve... Sounds like Corpo-Speak to me. Pardon my ignorance, I've never been a cubicle rat and the words "team", "building", and "exercise" make me want to stab someone with a letter opener. My condolences if you are forced to work in a similar environment.

[lunatica]

11. I've had terrible managers and managers I think are fabulous

What's the difference? The good managers, who actually have people who have quit their old jobs to follow them into new jobs have certain very consistent managerial traits. Their offices are always open and they welcome everyone to go talk to them. Always. As equals and about anything.

They hold pretty regular staff meetings (once a month) and after doing their announcements they listen. One manager's style was to have every single staff member speak about what they're doing. What they're problems are in their jobs and how they can find improvements. Sometimes the meetings were just occasions to get frustrations about the work out in the open.

They share what they are doing and what they're going through from demands from their superiors in a professional way. Partly to let us know what's going on, but also to let us know how they're fighting for us, and what they're being pressured to do. Nowadays that entails dealing with cutting funds and having to justify all our jobs as essential.

In short, they care about us. You can't do better than caring about your workers. Most adults get it because most adults have had the managers from Hell more often than not. You have to be strong but fair and above all consistent so you can be trusted. And don't worry about the few who are never going to appreciate your fairness.

I think your hardest part will be your superiors, not those you supervise.

[TBF]

13. Great post -

"I think your hardest part will be your superiors, not those you supervise."

And that is the truth. You learn very quickly that your superiors don't give a crap about teamwork, bonding or any of that - they want their numbers met.

Talk to people, let them vent, feed them.

You can also institute policies that help them but don't affect bottom line - maybe flex time if there are times that are busier than others. Leniency in switching shifts if that is possible in your company. That sort of thing.

[TBF]

12. As a manager you will have to focus on production (revenue - however you are measured) -

and the way to bring your team together to meet those goals is to feed them. Coffee and donuts one morning a week or similar (it gets to be a ritual)... somewhere casual that they can meet and talk a bit. People love food.

[Scuba]

14. Effective management is really pretty simple....

Recognize that most people want to do a good job.

Make sure they know what the organization's goals are, and what constraints they must abide to.

Them let them do their jobs.

Celebrate your successes and praise everyone publicly.

Deal directly and privately with any employees that aren't succeeding.

[William769]

15. Give it your all and you'll be fine.

Use your thought process & your talents & you will be unstoppable.

[robinlynne]

16. sounds like a great start of a plan!

A close friend was promoted to supervisor a year ago. he says it is a lot of basically babysitting. like solving porblmes between children. but that is his experience. he misses his old job, but enjoys the extra pay.

[jeff47]

17. The fact that you're worried is a great sign that you'll do the job well.

One thing to keep in mind: the people who work for you are experts at their jobs. Try asking them for suggestions. A lot of them won't work (and calmly explain why), but you might be surprised at what they come up with.

[dickthegrouch]

18. One of our supervisory mandates

is to "Catch someone doing something RIGHT".
Praise them publicly or privately, it doesn't matter. If they are doing it *really* RIGHT, send a quick explanation to the CEO (We're an 11,000+ person organisation) and he takes time to call them and thank them. He makes dozens of those calls per week.

[nomb]

19. A Path to Leadership Success.

Just one of many paths available.


1) First. Take stock. Things will look different from your new position, and although you will not understand at first the basis for all the demands on your time - take a moment. Your first guess as to why the organisation is structured or why the paperwork is required is NOT likely to be %100 correct.

*So resist the urge to immediately shake things up.

2) Second. Organisations are people. Sounds obvious at first, but it's remarkable how many people antagonize those around them without realizing the damage it does to them - and the group they lead.

*Be kind to all no matter the setting.

3) Be confident, be firm. People are people. They come in all manner of types and all the baggage and poor wiring that entails. If you consider your actions and direction well and follow tthrough on your goals people will confidently follow. You will also have people eventually at all levels that will willingly self-destruct themselves in order to damage or harm another professionally - avoid these events.

*Be confident, be firm.