Starting a new chapter in life

**arista** · June 1st, 2009

So everyone who has ever had to change jobs will relate. I just changed jobs today for a supervisor position. Yes, I am now the dreaded boss. I am seeking advice from anyone who has ever had this change of jobs. I know that I have worked for some crappy supervisors and do not want to be on of those supervisor.

**JohnDalglish** · June 1st, 2009

Hi,

I'm sure you'll make a great boss, Arista, good luck in your new position and congratulations.

I think it's the experience of having 'crappy supervisors' that makes good ones.

Long days and pleasant nights

**Drawn to Ka-tet** · June 1st, 2009

I always liked taking care of people as their supervisor- but my boss didn't take care of- in fact I have the tire tracks across my back to prove it.
So after 6 years, I became an 'individual contributor'.

It was harder coming back to be one of THEM, than it was stepping up to be their supervisor.
I think the hardest part of being the supervisor was that I couldn't really be friends with the people anymore. I wish you good luck!!

**LOTUS** · June 1st, 2009

Hey!I totally relate to this thread now!I am also in between jobs at the moment and starting a new chapter in life - in a few weeks I will have a team, I'll have to train,supervise and take care of.
I am not very sure,how I should handle things.I also had some really bad supervisors,some relatively good and /thankfully!/ a great one.I am thinking constantly these days about the ways they have treated their staff,solved problems and issues.I think even the "bad" examples I've seen can be very useful and could help build a clear image in your head about what a really good manager should be like.
I think you will do good - your desire to be a good supervisor and the fact that you are seeking for an advise is a great start.Many people that get promoted are just in the search for a higher position and better prosperity in life and don't even bother if they will actually be helpful for the people they are in charge of.
I wish you lots of luck,keep us updated and...congrats!

**LadyPain** · June 1st, 2009

I'm one of the supervisors at work. Technically, I'm a cashier supervisor most of the time, but I also get to be the front store supervisor and reign over everyone (except the pharmacy, which is a world unto itself). I work with people who have been there 20-30 years in some cases so when I had only been there eight months and was made a supervisor, there were some snide remarks behind my back. They stopped though when they saw I did NOT let it go to my head, and that I took their safety and comfort seriously. Even the manager/assistant manager are afraid of some of the strange ones who come in to steal and stalk, but I will walk right up to them, talk to them and escort them out of the store. I have more balls than a baseball team, and that has made it work. Management has seen how I can get the long-timers to listen to me and how I choose to lead by example.

I'm supposed to be training for management, but the job stress has been getting to me pretty bad lately, and I am not sure if I want to kill myself with work, ya know, but it's nice to know I am thought of that way.

Just be fair, listen to people and let them express their opinions. That helps.

**Todash** · June 1st, 2009

Congrats! I'm sure John is right and that your crappy supervisors have taught you much.

But because I love to give advice, here is some, none of which will probably be news to you: Be very clear about what deliverables you expect, and judge on those deliverables, not on personalities. Be fair and reasonable about your expectations, though; sometimes stuff happens. Don't cultivate "favorites." Don't micromanage. Don't gossip. Criticize in private; praise in public.

**Perse Jr.** · June 1st, 2009

As an HR professional, I can tell you it's so important for you to know your responsiblities and what is expected of you. Make sure you get clear details from your boss about what s/he wants in a supervisor. Also, it might be a good idea to get any available information from your boss or HR about your employees (job descriptions, outstanding issues, etc., if you don't already know them).

Be yourself, but don't be a friend. Friends get away with more, and in the work place, especially with the supervisor/employee relationship, it can be hard to put your foot down or be the "boss" if the line gets crossed at any time.

Also remember you're not there to make friends, you're there first and foremost for yourself, your family, and your financial and professional success.

OH! And also.....what John said...

**Cowboy** · June 1st, 2009

You will do fine Arista. Being supervisor has its privelages.

**Haunted** · June 1st, 2009

Speaking as a former supervisor and head bean counter; I see so much good advice has been given here! Forget the bad supervisors and try to emulate the good ones.

And CONGRATULATIONS!! You will be just great!!

**Theregulator** · June 1st, 2009

Originally Posted by Drawn to Ka-tet

I always liked taking care of people as their supervisor- but my boss didn't take care of- in fact I have the tire tracks across my back to prove it.
So after 6 years, I became an 'individual contributor'.

It was harder coming back to be one of THEM, than it was stepping up to be their supervisor.
I think the hardest part of being the supervisor was that I couldn't really be friends with the people anymore. I wish you good luck!!

Unfortuneatly I also found that to do the job properly you cannot have close friendships inside work. As long as you have friends outside work you'll be fine. Thats not to say you cannot have a good working relationship with colleagues but anything more is a minefield of potential problems.