Management tips? do you have experience?

Question

I've never held a management position, but I was just offered one for a jewelry department at national retail store. I have a list of questions, if you can answer any from experience I'd so much appreciate it.

I'd like to get our team toghether for a short meeting to introduce myself, etc.. but there's really only one person working in jewelry at a time, and I'm pretty sure I couldn't arrange a meeting where they can clock in, would I have to stop in at different times for each employee, or perhaps introduce myself in writing and post it when I first start as 'jewelry sales coordinator'? I don't want to start things off in an improper way, I do want to talk to each person individually to get to know them. How about a meeting outside of work?
2. Best way to motivate employees?
3. Is it undesirable to become friends with team members? Read online that it's a good thing, but also read that it's not. What's your experience?

I'll post other ?'s under details. Thanks!

Answer 1

Just remenber always be fair, and never micromanage...I was in retail amnagement for a long time.....be friends with them, but they also have to respect you. Set some gound rules without being offensive

Answer 2

Speaking as a law office superintendent, here are my recommendations:

(1) If you can arrange a meeting with everyone, great. Just don't push the issue. It's rough to have a get-together with everyone when they're not all working at the same time. Cuts into their personal time, you know? If that doesn't work, I'd advise you to make the effort to meet everyone, either during work hours or staying after a little/getting there a little early, etc.

(2) The best way to lead is by example. Also, remember that without people you don't have anything to manage. Take care of them and they'll take care of you. Listen to them, take their gripes to heart, and try to make the job easier for you when you can.

(3) It's always good to take a personal interest in your employees, but you have to be careful about being "friends" with them. You don't want to go to lunch with one employee and not another, and you also want to make sure they understand that you are their boss first. Don't do anything that any of the employees could interpret as showing favoritism, and don't get too friendly with them or they may see how much you'll let them get away with.

Answer 3

U want an honest answer, here goes.....I havent met you and already I would not want to work for you.

1) you are a coordinator, not a vice president, who do you think you are that you want to disrupt everybody elses life because you cant be bothered to go around and intorduce yourself to the employees individually. You asked about motivation; thinking you are better than anyone else is a sure fire de-motivator.

I dont think you can make empolyees volunteer to attend a meeting (in Canada you must pay a min 3 hrs to have employees show up). Also, does your superior approve such a meeting being called. Why not wait until the next important thiing comes up/meeting is called and introduce yourself then.

2) Best way to motivate is to not think u have to motivate. The empoyees/department has been running way before u got there, let it do its thing. Your job is to coordinate their efforts to achieve optimum efficiency/output, primarily by empowering those on the team to do their best and by removing any obstacles that come their way.

3) Never become friends with subordinates, they will not resepect your managerial authority when you do need to exercise it.

Answer 4

No.1: Do not try to arrange a meeting outside work, you will be getting their backs up straight away. Make it a point of meeting them one at a time and have an informal chat. You will learn more that way and not antagonise your members. Maybe later, on someones birthday, you could arrange a little drink outside and invite them all along.
No.2: The best way to motivate them is to show them how it is done, best practices, never be late yourself but always remember that when you have to, you must insist that your are the 'boss'. Insist on them using you as 'chain of command' if they wish to pass something to a higher manager.
No.3: It is inadvisable to become friends with the members, as distinct from being friendly. You may become too close to some which will make others jealous or spiteful and they may allege favouritism to your boss. You have to stay apart, but on occasions you may find it necessary to be friendly towards some members. You need them all on your side, not just some. Finally, my reasoning is that at a future date, you may have to reprimand someone, and dare I say it, recommend that person for dismissal.

Answer 5

first try to be there during each employees shift...observe the employees and jot down the changes you would like to take place..
schedule a "paid meeting" for the employees all to be present at once... send a memo as to when the meeting will be held.. should be held within the store.. a conference room, meeting room, whatever you have.. the meeting should be no more than 30 minutes.. a list of what changes and whats to be expected should be written and copied for each individual ....... 20 minutes should be of your time and 10 minutes opened for any questions... hope that was somewhat helpful

Answer 6

anwer to 1: your shift may rotate so just wait to meet everyone, one at a time. it will give you time to learn more about your position as well as theirs'. although noble, sending a letter or gathering them comes off like an "anouncement". DO NOT meet them outside of work, your bosses will not like that. (HR and liability issues)
2: the best way to motivate them is to "roll up your sleeves" and work along-side them. keep the situation light but don't joke around. lead by example.
3 : you can develop a team without friendship, but make it easy on them and your self and get to know them as individuals.

Answer 7

YES YOU ARE RIGHT YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE SEX WITH EMPLOYEES ON THE FIRST DAY. TRY TO BE SINCERE, IF YOU CAN'T, FAKE IT.