Suggestions for a First Time Supervisor 

Congratulations and good luck!

Same here!

Same here

My interview is tue. But been at my job for 18 years !! Would appreciate prayers😊

@@msljacky84 fingers crossed. I hope it went well

You are so right David. Gone are the days when the workforce stayed in one place for their careers. Now you have multiple people changing jobs and more and more young leaders are having to step up and supervise an older staff.

Leadership Roll Call with Michael Finley i find it a refreshing change of pace!! Sure, I may have to babysit a bunch of adults that have car payments and children, but it’s taught me a lot about how to handle situations and the needs of others. I wouldn’t change a thing. Have a great Labor Day!

@@matthewculver5271 Thank you David! I hope your holiday is good as well!

@@matthewculver5271 Thank you and good luck!

I am currently 22, yes an extremely young supervisor. This is extremely hard for me as people hate taking orders from someone younger.

Katrina, I've witnessed some pushback against younger supervisors. Just let them know you are there for them and it will help them accept you. Good luck!

Thank you Robert! If there is a topic you would like us to cover, please let me know!

Thank you, and good luck with being a supervisor!

Great going and congratulations! Good luck!

Hows the position?

whatsup men that wasn't the quastion 😢

Thank you and thank you for sharing! I wish you continued success!

One piece of advice I received recently was that if you are striving to become a supervisor, set yourself up for success and do not get too close to your fellow peers. Unfortunately You’re an example to this. When you become a supervisor, all your close friends will still have the same roll but now you’re telling them what to do because that is your roll in the business and it becomes somewhat awkward.

Brandy, congratulations! I hope this helped. Please let me know if there is another topic ou would like covered. Good luck!

Me too good luck & have fun

Thank you and congratulations on your new position! Continued success and good luck!

Congratulations girl!!! I just got hired as a supervisor for the first time !!!

Good luck! Let me know if I can help!

Thank you for watching and good luck with the new promotion!

Thank you! Please let me know if there is any topic you wish me to cover.

Well, if you are a supervisor at 19 years of age, then it sounds like someone has confidence in you. It’s ok to be nervous. Ask questions of both your boss and your employees. You don’t have to know everything. You’ve got this!

Glad to hear it, Patricia! Good luck!

Glad to hear it and congratulations! Let me know if something comes up that you would like covered. You got this!

I am so glad! Please let me know how it goes!

Kevin, you are 100% correct. A supervisory role brings so much more responsibility to the table. It sounds like you have the knowledge. If you treat your employees fairly and show you are there for them, you will have continued success. Good luck!

John if you are watching leadership videos, whether mine or someone else's, you are doing what every leader does, continue to learn in an effort to get better. I wish you luck with your job and please let me know if I can help in any way.

Marvin, so glad to hear it! Congratulations on the new job and good luck!

Good luck! Let me know how it goes!

You are correct. Going from a peer to a supervisor is extremely challenging. It sounds like you have a good plan. Good luck and let me know how it goes.!

Thank you, Shamir! Good luck in your leadership journey!

Congratulations and good luck! Let me know how it goes!

@@leadershiprollcall I will update you soon and seek for your advice.

Katrina, congratulations on your new role! Please let me know if there is topic you would like covered.

Yes, transitioning from a co-worker to a supervisor can be challenging. The best thing you can do is let them know you have their back and that you will support them. Make sure the work is getting done. Meet with them as a group and one-on-one and ask them what their concerns are and how you can address them. Once they realize you are indeed their supervisor, it will be easier.

It's never easy for a person to get promoted and then supervise their friends/peers. Communicate with the team, show that you will take care of them, and ask that they support you. Good luck!

Chris, you are so right. Sometimes its challenging to know when to "be nice" and when to "be direct." The fact you are aware of how you are is a positive. Keep in mind what you need to do as a boss and you will learn quickly. Good luck!

Awesome! So glad to hear that. Good luck!

Thank you!

Thank you and good luck!

So glad you found the videos useful! Good luck!

First off, thank you for your service. Secondly, I love the way you outline the challenges and seek solutions. That is what leaders do. The issue has to be defined before solutions are created. You are doing both. Well done!

Thank you! Yes, it is not an easy journey but if we are prepared, it can be easier.

Thank you!

Sounds like you did well!

Thank you! Please let me know what other topic you would like to see.

Ha! Glad to hear it! Congratulations!

You are 100% correct! You can never go wrong with the combination of those two traits.

@@leadershiprollcall thank you so much I appreciate your video

Good luck! Let me know how it goes!

Andre, you are not alone. When a person becomes a supervisor/manager of people, they are often focused on making sure their employees do quality work that their own work suffers. A manager must make time in their schedule to ensure their own work is accomplished.

I'm so glad!! Thank you!

You are most welcome! Thank you for watching!

Thank you!

Glad to hear! Good luck!

Good luck!

@@leadershiprollcall thank you 🙏🏾🙂

Thank you for you response! Please let me know if there is a topic you would like me to cover.

So glad to hear it!

You are welcome! Thank you!

You are most welcome! Thank you!

Jason, it sounds like you are well on your way to becoming a good leader as you have self-knowledge of what you want to do. Unfortunately, there are some out there that take kindness for an opportunity to take advantage. I love the fact you recognize that bosses don't have to be jerks. They absolutely certainly do not. A good boss is someone that shows respect and fairness. If the peers don't hamper your ability to lead, ignore them. Take care of your employees. It also wouldn't hurt to remind your boss every now and then that your intent is to be kind. Good luck!

You are most welcome! Thank you!

Thank you! Let me know if there is a topic you would like covered.

Thank you! Please let me know if there is a topic you would like covered.

Congratulations on the promotion! There are many books, video channels, podcasts, articles, etc on how to be a good supervisor. Let me know if there is a specific area you need assistance in. Good luck!

Good luck!

Thank you God bless! 🥰🙏

Jul, time management is an issue for just about everyone. There are a lot of different things you can do to help your time management, just don't try and do them all at once. My advice is to pick one thing, say prioritization, and work on that. There is an old joke, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." Good luck!

I have the same problem since Dec 2019 and no help from manager..My first time in Supervisor role and he telling me no one showed him anything

@@mariabrissettchildofgod8356 omg, same here...same..but what I do..I let it stop at him..I try my best to teach someone something they don't know ..plus I am now working from home and it's been a really learn on your own experience

Thank you!

Congratulations! Let me know how I can help!

Arny, that sounds awesome! Being a leader is about those things you are doing. Keep up the good work!

That is a very common challenge among new managers. Questions arise if you will be respected by your former peers. Without knowing what specific issues you are facing, I would suggest having a 1-on-1 with each of your employees. Explain to them what your plan is with the department, work crew, etc. Ask for their input. Let them know you are there to take care of them and ask for their help keeping you notified of any issues. Employees care most about a boss that will take care of them. If you show you have their back, you will earn their respect. Good luck and let me know how it goes!

Good luck and let me know if I can help!

Glad to hear! Let me know if you have any challengest that I can address. Good luck!

@@leadershiprollcall thanks for the reply! Things have gone well, a little more challenging than I thought but, I've attuned well. Of course. There is one staff member, idk what to do about her. I'm wondering how to properly reprimand or coach someone into being better because she is causing issues from bad decisions. I work with children

@@FatherBanana it seems like there is always one staff member that is the challenge.

@@MFinley5444 always. Very challenging because it does not need to be that way

@@FatherBanana Couldn’t agree more! There is absolutely no reason for it but yet, it happens. The best thing a leader can do is deal with it the best they can and don’t let it affect your mood or how you treat others. Good luck!

Thank you! Please let me know if there is a topic you would like me to cover.

@@leadershiprollcall Thanks, I’m going into a new senior supervisor roll tomorrow…(at 21) a couple years since I was last a supervisor and even then I never received proper training. The company have faith so I’m just hoping I can pull it off!

@@antonywakefield4002 Not surprisingly, most new supervisors are thrust into their new roles without any training whatsoever. I applaud your choice to learn how to lead by watching these videos and I would encourage you to look for others. I am a big fan of Simon Sinek. Read/watch whatever he has about leadership. If the company didn't have faith in you, they would not have put you in this position. You've got this! Good luck!

@@leadershiprollcall Ended up having a really good day! Only worked with a third of the team but they've welcomed me with open arms. Thanks again for all your videos, and the suggestions above!

@@antonywakefield4002 Outstanding! So glad to hear! Keep it up and good luck!

So glad to hear! Most people are leaders without realizing they actually are one. I wish you well. Let me know how it goes.

Glad you liked!

Thank you!

Thank you!

Yes, it is nerve wracking but just remember, at this stage, they don’t expect you to know anything. That is why you are going through training. But, the bosses must have seen something in you to offer this opportunity. Every supervisor in the world started off not knowing a lot. Don’t sweat it. Youve got this!

I'm employed as a supervisor I'm 23yrs old it's challenging because I'm afraid to ask any tips folrom my manager , and they just let me do observations.

Glad to hear your boss is amazing. What tips do you need?

Hi there! and thank you for watching the video. Yes, I will be happy to answer any questions you might have. Email me directly at LeadershipRollCall@gmail.com

Nick, Congratulations! Obviously, they see something in you to offer you that opportunity. Good luck in your new role!

@@leadershiprollcall thank you!

Neiann, thank you for your comment. Wearing a uniform is somewhat limiting but there are still ways to "dress professionally". What I mean by that is, have you ever seen anyone who is wearing a uniform but the uniform is either not clean? Or frayed around the edges? Or doesn't fit? Just because one wears a uniform, (and I did in a previous career) does not mean one can't look professional. To look professional while wearing a uniform, make sure it is clean. Make sure the sleeves or hem is not frayed and there are no rips or tears. Also, while i would not suggest all uniforms be tailored, there are some small things one can do to make sure it fits properly. I hope this helps. Good luck!

Thank you for watching! Congratulations on your new role. It sounds like you have the correct mindset about leading... how to get your employees to reach their goals. Regarding the age difference, most employees don't care if the boss is younger or older, as long as the boss supports them, and helps them. There are ways to overcome the perception of young age over older employees but lets talk about how to get them to reach their goals. This is where one-on-one conversations happen and where coaching happens. I would suggest meeting with your employees 1-on-1 and asking them what goals they are trying to achieve? If they tell you, ask them, "What do you think you need to do to reach that goal?" By getting them to answer, it helps with their "buy-in." If you met with them and told them, "You need to do A-B and C." They may do it but they probably won't. Why? Because they haven't accepted that is what they need to do. But if they come up with how to achieve those goals? Then they accept that much easier because it is their idea. Now, they may not know how to reach those goals and this is where coaching comes in. Ask them, don't tell them, what do you think you need to do? Do you think you need to do this? That? Get them to come up with the plan. Then, once they do, ask them how you can support their plan. Getting their buy-in is essential. Supporting them is essential. If you do that? They won't care how old you are. Good luck and let me know how it goes!

Thank you and good luck!

Sorry to hear about the poor environment you were working in. Sometimes, our best efforts can't overcome poor management or a bad culture.

thank you for the question. I'll admit that I have not used productivity scoring nor have I worked in a place that has used it. But I do know that using metrics from Microsoft 360, a manager can see which employee "engages" with others through emails, responses, etc. There has been quite a bit of controversy over using this as a way to check the productivity of an employee. Some equate it to spying. Upper management likes it because it is quantifiable. In my opinion, a manager can check an employee's productivity in other ways that are less controversial.

Congratulations on your new position! Being a leader is never easy, but it sounds to me like you have the experience and know what leadership is all about. Yes, there are tough people out there, but leaders find ways to succeed. Keep striving to learn how to be the best leader you can be. Good luck!

@@leadershiprollcall Thank you (:

Nina, congratulations! Most managers/leaders learn the ropes by doing. Obviously, they see something in you to offer you this role. Good luck!

Jared, first off, congratulations! I agree that all the things you mention can indeed be stressful. My suggestion is to meet with everyone one-on-one. Let them know you plan to learn from them. If you can, shadow each of your employees so you can find out what exactly they do, and they can also get to know you. This will help build a relationship with your employees. Let them know your job is to take care of your employees. If you are successful in building a relationship with them, and prove you will take care of them, they will accept you as a boss, even one with less experience. Employees want a boss that is in their corner. Good luck and let me know how it goes!

First, Congratulations! To be a supervisor at that age means you have done impressive things! Secondly, now the real work begins. You will surely face some resentment supervising employees who are 20+ years older than you. Let them know that your job is to take care of them and to see them succeed and that you will do everything you can to help them. Communicate with them often. Good luck and let me know how it goes!

Lol, they must be bitter!

@@G_Realest yeah, i think so :)

Sam, the issue you describe is very common among younger supervisors. Employees immediately show disrespect to a young supervisor. Their apprehension is they don't believe a young person can effectively manage them, but their are ways to gain their respect. First, you need to show you can effectively manage. Find a goal to achieve or a project to complete. Share with your employees what you want to achieve and enlist their help. Show them how it will benefit them and work with them as a group to achieve it. Next you want to show that you care about them. I would suggest meeting with them one-on-one and ask them what their goals are and how you can help them achieve those goals. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of you. During these meetings and other meetings, ask for feedback. Ask them to let you know what you could be doing better and what you are doing well. You need to have thick skin and not get discouraged if they bring up something negative. Have an open mind and listen to what they are saying. If the employees see that you are sincere in getting better, it will help gain their respect. Congratulations on your promotion and I wish you well! Please keep me updated on how things are going. Good luck!

@@leadershiprollcall I'm glad you said that.

Mike, first off, congratulations! Obviously management sees something in you to promote you to this position. It is difficult dealing with envy, egos, and just plain poor character. Obviously, the first thing you want to concentrate on is your employees. Take care of them. Secondly, take care of your boss. Create and maintain a good relationship with them. Only after your employees and your boss should you worry about your peers. Most will accept you over time. Some never will. The question to ask is, are they critical to your job? Is having a good relationship with them important? If so, rebuild that relationship. Take them to lunch or meet them for coffee. Share with them your plans and ask for their input. Let them know you treasure their input. Unfortunately, for some, you can do that and it won’t matter. They will always resent you. For them, be professional but don’t concentrate on them. Good luck in your new role!

Wendell, unfortunately, there are toxic employees out there that will attempt to derail you at the first opportunity they have. There are many reasons such as jealousy, spite, or just plan evil. When working with them, you always want to take the high road and remain professional. If you feel they are attempting to bait you or find something on you, surround yourself with witnesses and document everything you can. I wish you the best of luck!

Kelvin, first, congratulations! Here are a few things... #1, sit down with your employees 1-on-1 and learn about them. Ask questions. Don't act like you know it all now that you are a supervisor. Don't be afraid to ask those questions! Second, make sure you know what is expected of you by your boss. Sit down with them and ask them what you will be evaluated on. 3rd, learn as much about the company as you can. Leadership is an exciting journey and I wish you well. Let me know how it goes and good luck!

So sorry I saw this after your interview. How did it go?

Cloveice, you are spot on. Being a boss and also being a friend is tricky. Even if you treat your friend the same, there will always be the perception that they receive special treatment.

Whew! Sounds like you are in a toxic environment. What does your boss say? Are they supporting you? What does HR say? Are they helping you? Make your case to the decision makers. Don’t let these folks have the only voice.

Working in an environment that needs translation is a tough one. I've trained internationally and I know the difficulties that come with translating. I found the biggest struggle I had was needing to slow down. I could not speak as fast as I wanted to nor could I use the metaphors that I would normally use. I had to speak slowly and plainly to ensure that everyone understood. Hopefully your work environment is one that does not need critical directions given immediately. Take your time. Speak plainly. Listen to what the others are saying.

You most certainly can! Many supervisors enjoy their work and remain in the same role for years. However, some organizations prefer to move people to different roles to help gain a different perspective. It depends on the organization and the supervisor.

TN, this is indeed a difficult situation and one I, unfortunately, had to deal with. Like you, I asked my boss to stop meeting with my employee 1-on-1 but she continued to do so. First off, ask again. Let your boss know how this impacts the rest of your team and your relationship with your employee. The boss may not think it is such a big deal but if you outline it in those terms, it might help. Secondly, let your employee know that you expect to be informed first about their project concerns. Third, talk again with your team. If you have to, meet with them 1-on-1. Let them know your expectations are. Fourth, if your team is undermining you, there is a reason why. Find out and address the situation with them. This is a tough situation. I wish you luck! Let me know how it goes.