OD Chatter: Now I’m THE Boss … Now What?

By

Dear OD Chatter,

I wrote to you early this year and you sent me some real talk (honest information) about how to grow my career here in the shoe store where I work.  That was totally lit (amazing)!  I am now the Assistant Store Manager and my mom is so proud of me.

As soon as I understood what a KPI was and how to create and use them I was pressed (focused) on it.  The company never did fill the stockroom position that I wanted but things turned out much better.

I am writing to ask how to get some of my coworkers to stop firing shots (insults) at me.  I know that a few of them have worked here longer than I have but I earned this promotion and I deserve their respect.  I also feel that if they won’t work with me I might lose my promotion.  See, there is a 90-day probation for the promotion and after that its mine for keeps.

I know you have the answers that I need and thank you for helping me!  Maybe one day I can do something nice for you.  Oh, by the way, our district manager said that our stockroom is the most organized of all of his stores!

Signed, Mr. O, Question #2, Erie, PA

Dear Mr. O, Question #2,

I am delighted that the advice you received earlier this year has paid off for you in the form of a promotion!  I knew you could do it.

Now that you are a supervisor, your team-members may not see you in the same light as they did when you were a member of their rank.  That is quite normal.  You attend meetings that they don’t attend, you may have access to information in advance of them hearing about it, you may even be the one designated to deliver new information to them.  On many levels, you direct the work that they need to complete.  Just imagine that you are in their shoes – how does that feel?

Also, don’t become a bossy person, be the kind of supervisor you would want to have.  Often, respect is received when it is given.  Let your team-members know that you respect them and would never fire shots at them and ask them (nicely) to stop.  Remember that the true definition of management is having the ability to solicit the willing cooperation of others.  If they keep doing it, just ignore them and use the energy those insults create to do an even better job.  Then hit the gym to burn off the stress after work!

I would speak with your store manager and your above store manager to see if the company offers supervisor or management training.  If they do, ask them to send you.  If they don’t then it is time for you to concentrate on developing a leadership style.

Hit the bookstores and check out the books on leadership.  I personally like ‘The Leadership Challenge’ by James Kouzes & Barry Posner.  Read a few pages of several books and buy the one that holds your interest the most.  You will find practical advice, instruction, and exercises to help you practice and develop your leadership style.

Don’t forget to consider your formal education as a means to prepare for future career growth.  As you move up through the management ranks, at some point, you may face an education requirement and you are going to want to be prepared.

Thank you for the follow-up to a previous question and OD Chatter will be here when you have your next question!

OD Chatter

_______

OD Chatter (www.odchatter.com) is written by Debra Dee Bradford, CHRO of ODL Business Partners, Inc. (www.odlbp.com) an HR consulting firm specializing in organizational development and leadership training. To reach Debra, submit questions, or make comments please email dbradford@odlbp.com.

.

.

..

[uam_ad id=”66124″]

Connect With Your Community

Subscribe to stay informed!

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Advertisement
Creative Capital logo