I need to hear from people in supervisory positions at work...?

Question

I'm new to this job. It drives me crazy that I have to spend so much of my time dealing with stupid things. I need a good book or website to help me learn how to maintain my professionalism, but at the same time, effectively deal with stupid crap. (Conflicts between staff members, insubordinate people, etc) I also want to know how to get my staff to be completely loyal to me and the company. Can anyone help me out?

Answer 1

I feel your pain. I finally got my own branch ( I work at a bank), and you should see all the challenges i face daily, very similar to yours.
From insubordination, to petty arguments, to laziness, to feeling that my staff is not on my side, or misses the old manager or is more loyal to her than they are to me, etc..On top of dealing with all that, you still have to deal with upper management, goals, reports etc..
You have to do it all, and there are not enough hours in the day for that.
I learned a lot in the last few months. Yes I read books and went to seminars, but was disappointed because they never dealt with or taught me how to deal with individual situations.
I learned this on my own:
The insubordination thing will drag you down, and make you feel like crap. There was a girl there who had been acting manager before me, but she did not apply for the job. She made my life hell on purpose, being disrespectful and insubordinate, but I started to confront her on every little thing she did, after all being the boss we have to do that sometimes. She finally transferred to another branch. ANd I realized after she left, how much more productive my staff became, turns out she was poisoning them and her attitude towards me was affecting them all. Am relieved to be rid of her, you dont want to work with an enemy, so make that your first focus.
As far as conflict, sit people together in front of you and tell them what each one said to you and let them hash it out. They will be embarassed and you will see, it will stop.
As far as making the staff loyal, you need to get them on your side, with praise and appreciation. Let them see that they are valuable to you and the company, I always tell them, you can do it better than I would, thats why i need you ! Empower them and they will do anything to help you.
Act human, laugh with them, goof around, ask them how things are going ( other than work), take interest in their lives. They will get to like you and want to help you .
On the other hand, remember you are the manager and you still have to enforce the rules. If somebody makes a mistake, talk to them first then write them up. They still need to follow the rules.
Show them that you know what is going on, and although you want them to have fun at work, they still need to follow the guidelines. When you write someone up, tell them, that you hate to do this, but you have to document everything in case it comes up again. And tell them that you dont want to lose them, and that you are there if they need help with anything.
Keep it interesting at work, on occasion i bring them treats, or reward someone who did a good job, that makes them very happy. Took me a while to get here, but i think i got it figured out now. I know they respect me and they come to me and want to make sure I am happy with them.
Be persistent and consistent. Above all have intergrity. If you say you will do something, you HAVE TO DO IT, that is how you earn their respect.
I wish you luck, you will get there, get in touch with me if you need more help.

Answer 2

I was a supervisor at a previous job, you have to realize that you can not make everyone happy. Do your job as best as you can and do not discriminate or take sides and make sure you're working as hard as everyone on your team so you can be a good leader and set an example.

First, treat others as you wish to be treated (or as you wish your loved ones to be
treated) – namely with respect.
· Second, remember that staff are multi-faceted human beings, with needs, interests
and lives that are important to them.
· Third, be honest and ethical.
· Fourth, recognize that problems are a normal part of life and approach them in an
effort to find solutions rather than place blame.
· Fifth, give praise and recognition when it is due.
· Finally, show those who work for you that you too are human – laugh, share,
apologize when it is called for and let them get to know you. No one expects a
supervisor to be perfect.
q Acknowledges and/or rewards their employees for their efforts in a timely and public
manner
q Has the ability to attract, select, and retain a diverse staff
q Is available and approachable
q Is a good communicator and listener
q Clearly communicates the following during orientation:
· The work unit’s mission and how it is related to the organization’s mission
· The focus of the incumbent’s position and how it supports the unit’s mission
· Specific expectations about the level and quality of work required for the job
q Has the ability to empower their employees and delegate authority
q Encourages and supports the personal and professional development of their
employees
q Has high ethical standards and integrity
q Is fair and honest
q Is an empathetic listener and has compassion for others
q Has a sense of humor
q Can act as a mentor and coach
q Is a successful problem solver who is able to balance his/her own needs, the needs of
employees, and the needs of the organization
q Motivates others to pull together to meet goals and objectives
q Is a role model
q Provides feedback (both when things are going well and when improvements are
needed) to individuals in timely, meaningful manner
q Seeks to find out all sides of an issue before making a decision that affects staff
q Engender positive, mature relationships with their staff members, characterized
primarily by mutual trust, respect, and the recognition that each individual is unique
q Uses good analytical and problem-solving skills together with their “emotional
intelligence” (maturity).
q Has passion for the career that they have chosen and an infectious energy level
q Knows that if the unit is not changing, evolving, or improving, then the unit is falling
behind
q Believes in hiring people who are stronger than they are, or have the potential to be
stronger than they are, so that the organization can grow talent.
q Promotes team efforts and team recognition
q Is innovative
q Comprehends the demands of the employee’s job and the skills required to
successfully complete assigned tasks
q Is willing to work as hard if not harder than their subordinates
q Aggressively provides a safe work environment

Answer 3

The book that changed my professional life:
"Coaching for Improved Work Performance, Revised Edition" by
Ferdinand Fournies.
When I became manager of a very large group of people who did petty things every day, this book helped me to realize why people did what they did and how to correct it. Also, remember that in order for your employees to remain loyal to the company and to you, you must follow up and take action. I've found that sometimes it's the small recognition you give an employee for ttheir hard work or for a great job goes a long way. Good luck!

Answer 4

Well, the "stupid stuff" you're just going to have deal with. That's what being in a managerial position means you have to deal with it ALL and still remain professional.

As for your staff being loyal to you....for one that comes with time. But in order for them to be loyal they have to respect you also and that comes with time and how well you preform in the position. To get the respect...you should have a focus meeting with your staff to find out what "needs" to get done but has slipped through the cracks. Meaning things like software programs or just office supplies that would make their jobs easier and better. You gotta find out the gripes in the dept and then try to fix them. Then you'll earn the respect of your staff and eventually loyalty.

Good Luck.

Answer 5

I would try seminars. They really helped for me. Rockhurst is good and your company would probrably pay for it since it is for the better. I don't know any books off the top of my head or any websites but here are some links that may help.

Answer 6

"Leadership from Within" by Peter Urs Bender and "Becoming an Effective Leader" by Harvard Business School Press

Answer 7

i have a remidy for those situations,
stop and breath
humm and think of your favorate color
think of a goal in the com
and apply
remember that they are human too they just need an answer not a leg!
i have a power point i can send to give you more details

Answer 8

How did you get to be a supervisor without people skills?

Answer 9

those for dummies books might help