Ten Tips for First-Time Supervisors or Managers
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Human Resources Expert, Sharlyn Lauby, has listed ten tips for new supervisors. As one should know, managing employees is a tough job that requires balance. Here are the pointers:
1. Not everyone is your friend.
But it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be friendly! There’s a difference between being friendly and being friends. It’s not realistic to think that you can be everyone’s friend. Especially if at some point, you need to discipline an employee or deliver bad news.
This tip is helpful if you’ve “moved up through the ranks” and are supervising recent coworkers.
2. "Fair" is not the same as "equal".
Fair means that everyone gets what they need or deserve. Equal means that everyone gets the same regardless of need.
Employees expect fair treatment. You can be fair and not give everyone the same thing. For example, recognition. Everyone loves recognition, but not everyone wants to be recognised the same way. Understand your employees' needs and treat them fairly.
3. Always ask for feedback and input.
You don’t have all the answers. Usually, we put extra pressure on ourselves by incorrectly assuming that being a supervisor means we need to know everything. Being a supervisor means we should be able to find all the answers. Don't be afraid to ask your colleagues; some of them are experts in their field so they can help you out.
4. A manager should know how to run a good meeting.
People complain about meetings all the time. Developing a reputation for chairing a good meeting will do wonders for your career because people will attend your meetings and participate at a high level. For once, the discussions will lead to productive conversations and measurable results.
5. Take a break, find time to relax.
There's no need to sugarcoat it, most of the time, becoming a supervisor includes extra work. We must be able to manage our workload without getting burned out. Our team relies on us to be healthy and energetic. Otherwise, we’re a drain on the organisation.
So, whenever you find the time, take a break and give yourself some time to release your stress.
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Being a supervisor is more than just giving orders.
6. A supervisor needs someone they can trust about work.
Sometimes as a supervisor, you will have access to confidential information. And you’ll hear things that can be frustrating. Supervisors can’t always share everything with employees.
Find a place where you can talk confidentially, for example: human resources, someone at home, or a mentor. Make sure you can trust that they will handle the conversation appropriately.
7. Always strive to improve your people skills.
No matter how long you’re in the corporate world, never turn down training. Even terrible training classes still have something to teach us. People skills are an essential part of work, life, and social success. When you have strong people skills, you can:
- Pitch yourself
- Overcome social anxiety
- Communicate your ideas
- Influence others positively
8. Learn to say “no”.
The answer to everything is not “yes”. The ability to say “no” when necessary will allow you to keep your sanity. Here's how to say "no" without upsetting your colleagues.
9. Learn how to manage change.
Business is all about change. No sooner do we get into our rhythm with a project or process, and it changes. Get used to it. Become self-aware about how you process change and what resources you need to manage change successfully. Agility is critical.
10. Delegation is critical; try to master it.
You do not have to complete every task. You are responsible for making sure the job is completed but you don’t have to do it all yourself. Delegating tasks can lighten your workload.
Your employees will also be able to develop new skills and gain knowledge, which prepares them for more responsibility in the future.
Becoming a supervisor is about developing your team. When your team can effectively do the work, then you can attend training, go for a vacation or a meeting and the department doesn’t fall apart. That’s the work of a supervisor.
Source: HR Bartender
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