How can I help the members of my team to better follow my instructions without complaint?

Question

I am a newly promoted team leader. Unfortunately, I am at the same store I started in, and I have known all my guys for 2 years. I was always "one of the guys", and now my team seems to be having difficulty understanding the transition of my promotion. Since being promoted about four months ago, they are showing behavior that I did not see as a stock clerk. They constantly challange my instructions and refuse to do what I ask. I have tried to change the way I approach them by rewarding their good behavior, and even begging. I've tried being nice, authoritative, threatening,etc. Nothing seems to work. I'm at my wits end. I fear that if I can't achieve a respectful relationship with my guys, not only will the store suffer, but my further advancement in the company will be hindered. How can I maintain a friendly, fun working environment with my crew , and still be the strong authority figure when no manager is around?

Answer 1

Well, first of all, take a step back and look at how you may have changed due to your promotion. So often, I see uncharacteristic changes in workers promoted to a new position of authority. They usually feel that with the promotion they are expected to take on a new stricter demeanor, and many of the desirable traits they posess that landed them the promotion are abandoned.
Remember that you are only as good as the people that work for you, and it is to your advantage to get a long with them, keep up morale, and make them more productive workers.
That being said, if you are doing your job, you can't accept insubordinance from your workers- EVER. You need to deal with each instance on an individual basis and don't make threats, just let them know what is expected and what the consequence will be if your expectations are not met-(DON'T OVERSHOOT YOUR AUTHORITY)-The worst thing you can do is have them go over your head because then it looks like you don't know how to manage- and thats your number one priority.
And btw, please NEVER beg. If there are problems like that, you probably need to talk with your higher-ups about it.
As a manager you should maintain an even persona and stability at all times- not one day threatening and the next begging- your workers don't know what to expect and probably, you've lost a lot of credibility already.

Answer 2

I doubt that you can 'maintain a friendly, fun working environment' and still be an authority figure. I am guessing from this that at times you still try to be 'one of guys'. You are not, you are the team leader. I'm sorry but you have to behave as the team leader at all times. If you still try to maintain a fun relationship with those working for you, you are sending out mixed signals when you give orders. Is it the case that you try to maintain the one of the guys posture?

Answer 3

do you have any actual authority? I guess you could fire one of them if you have to. You could just make up the game plan, and then have YOUR superior hand it back as what to do. You may be good at what you do, but maybe you shouldnt have been picked to be a leader, some people just arent.