Supervising other employees means walking that thin line. You don’t want to come off as bossy, but you do have to assert control. This is especially hard if you have achieved promotion from within. Suddenly you are in charge of your former coworkers.
Meet individually with each of the people you manage as soon as you can. Use this meeting to get to know them but also clearly let them know your expectations of what you expect from them. Follow up with a memo and written procedures so there is no misunderstanding. Meet with your staff often.
Stay friendly, but don’t participate in office gossip or anything that would reflect badly on your position. You don’t have to stop eating lunch in the break room, but remember all your actions will be scrutinized.
Avoid open reprimands or corrections. If you need to speak to an employee, discreetly ask them to meet you behind closed doors. Make it as easy as possible for them, and they will respect you more than if you make a production of it.
Demand respect, however. Don’t stand for rudeness. Explain politely but firmly that you are handling the matter as professionally as possible, and that you expect them to do the same.
Be available to the workers under your management. Nothing is more annoying than an ‘absent manager’. Make sure you can be reached for emergencies, and always pitch in to help when you are shorthanded. Lead by example
Don’t tolerate any form of harassment from one employee to another. You are responsible for maintaining a professional workplace, and all such behavior should be nipped in the bud.
