State: Idaho (United States)

First I would like to say that coming from the rank and file it was a big eye opener when I took this job. I was in another position as a maintainance Planner and I had left a job as a Senior Operator that I had for 12 years. What I learned as a planner I took back as a Supervisor and things I learned as a operator I also included them in how I treat the team that I supervise.

First all Pray every morning that God keeps you humble, because the first thing that happens to new managers is being impressed with ones self. You need to know that if you don't produce results you won't last long.

Second Dress for the job you want to have look good, smell good and be well groomed. Even though I work in a enviroment that is very relaxed in the dress, I still try and look my best everyday.

Now I have left this for last but not because its of lower priority than the two above but because it will be what makes or breaks you. I took over a team that had a bad rep. Lots of personalities on this team and I was asked to see what I could do. Now I got alot of advice from the supervisor that was leaving but I truily wanted to make up my own mind. When I came in I gave them my expectations of what I wanted and needed from them. Next I told them what they could expect of me and what I know that I could do for them. I used lots of words like respect,credit,and honesty. I let them know about what was being said about them, how I wasn't listening to any of it that they was going to make my mind up for me.

I let them know that I needed to learn as well, I didn't know anything more than they did, just that I had a desire to be the best at what I was undertaking. If I looked good I promised to make it known how and why I was where I was. Six months later bcecause of them I received the highest rating among the 5 of us on our staff. Respect and how you treat people, saying thanks and please goes a long ways. Just some advice from someone that learns something new everyday. Lastly know your people, say someting kind, ask with meaning how they are doing and be able relate to them on some level.

The most fundamental piece to any job is communication. I highly recommend education on effective communication. Reading verbal and non-verbal cues from people you interact with, and responding (verbally and non-verbally) in complimentary ways can drastically alter outcomes which are hopefully more favorable. Being able to soothe agitated nerves, instill confidence, and understand someone else's point of view, can make a significant difference, even in the most insane of environments.

Statistically, web and software developers rank low on scales of social skills, so we have to put more effort to communicate effectively without confusing people with our jargon. If you are someone like me who can talk forever like a broken dam spewing water, concentrate on getting to the point then zipping it. If it is difficult for you to get to the point, show a simple mockup development to make the point for you.

Taking the time to do something right the first time is the best way to ensure quality results are delivered. Getting the amount of time necessary will never happen if you cannot communicate calmly, politely, and effectively. The final advice I have to throw out there is "always be prepared to sacrafice personal opinions and views in favor of what your employer or clients want you to do. Looking for a new job is never fun for anyone".

A company with their motto ( people matter ) should not make employees choose either their families or their job. In life there are sometimes you have to do things that might be hard on one hand but better for your family. Never feel bad because the sun will raise again. Keep your sights on your goal. As a production supervisor that works on the floor. There are times where you do have to get to know the employees under you. It is hard sometimes to understand the process from management to workers. But I have found out to understand the employees that you supervisor, you 1st must listen with an open mind, so that the employees will become a team and the full circle will come around.

When you are a manager of a large retail store and one of your employees and your entire management team partners with the appropiate people about going outside the normal business practices to drive sales and the end result puts some risk on the business, the person who instigated that risk should be held responsible and as a manager you have a choice to put all the blame on someone else when pressured to do so or stand up and take one for the team. I took one for the team and it has created a hardship for me and my family but I would never be able to live with myself if I had thrown somebody under the bus. When all the appropriate business partners were involved and my immediate supervisor developed a loss of memory to prevent any career damage to himself, I can feel confident that I stood up for my associates and did the right thing even though it was very costly financially.