Being a tough but fair manager?

Question

I work in an office and I'm probably one of the youngest people there.

Well, recently, I was promoted up into management because of my charisma, personality, and good work ethic. But I'm having some difficulties.

See, all my life I've been used to working from "the bottom of the food chain." So this is a big change for me. Mostly, I feel people don't take me seriously when I tell them to get back to work or to finish a task. It might be because of my age or because I'm the NEW management.

In any case, my question is how do you manage people and NOT seem like the "bad guy?"

I mean, sure, I could be the angry boss nobody likes, "DO THIS! DO THAT!" But that's not the kind of guy I want to be associated as or known for.

How do you be the tough but fair manager?

Answer 1

Speak with the employee(s) in question and let them know that you need to do your job and that your position is one of authority. Be firm but fair with them and do not power trip or you won't last long in management. Tell them that you respect them and their work ethic and that they need to do the same for you.

Answer 2

I have seen this very thing happen--someone go from "one of us" to one of the higher-ups. What he/she did was this, and I'm not sure it is what you should do, but it appears to work for that person--a) Your smiles should be small and businesslike, not overly friendly, b) General rule of thumb when someone asks if they can do something--the answer is a very polite, no, sorry, and give whatever sounds like a good reason (it is busy today, "you cannot take vacation right now" for example), c) Do not get into personal conversations with people. Don't be unapproachable but don't be too approachable either. You are not their friend or on their level, d) Put some things in writing if you need to. Writing can appear businesslike rather than talking. Critique something they did. Again, don't be cold, but be businesslike.

This may not be correct advice, so please be cautious if following it, but it is just what I have seen in such situations. I am considering what has worked for people and what has not when giving this advice.

Answer 3

They probably could have had that job but were lazy and had bad
work habits, I feel telling them to get back to work etc. won't change the way they are. You could post incentives on a bulletin
board or give motivational talks or some other type of encouragement. The previous manager may not have given the
employees any incentive and others may be just burned out. It
may help to be more open to these people and give them private
talks. Hope this advice works for you.

Answer 4

First of all always remember where you came from. That should keep you from being the bad boss. As far as getting people to take you serious. Be firm, fair, and consistent. You may have to take some action and reprimand people at first, but that just is the way some people are. You need to let them know that you will listen to their problems, but that you also mean to get things done. Some will take whatever you let them get away with. Like joking and b.s.ing instead of working. Don't let them corrupt you. You were put in your position for a reason. Remember no matter what you earned what you got. Don't let anyone take that away from you.

Answer 5

You are dead meat. Not only will you be ineffectual, your employees will find a way to sabotage you. You have to gain respect. Being "tough" is a show of weakness that any employee will see right through. Explain your goals in your new management position. Get your employees to buy into the concept. You as an effectual manager leads your team. By leading you are at work before others and leave after they leave. When others see your hard work and being fair to all you will gain respect. Good Luck

Answer 6

They need to respect you. Be calm and say please and thank you after they do a request. Don't yell.