After many long years (three) at the bottom of the chain of command, I have finally been promoted to supervisor at work. It’s a slight raise in pay and a significant raise in things to do. Being the workhorse type, both of these are great perks!
A bit about the job: This is for a mall private security department. We have a Director, an Assistant Director, and two line supervisors (I’m one of those now). Under that is around 10-12 security officers. As far as I can tell, my duties are the standard vein of make sure everything gets written down correctly and make sure everyone does their job. I also tend to get all the special projects that come along, since the boss knows I’ll get it done and done right. The department is made up of mostly single guys in their low to mid 20’s. It’s definitely a relaxed employee relations atmosphere.
The problem that arises is that I have never been in charge before, and I need advise on how to be better at it. For the past two years or so I’ve been unofficially in charge, in that everyone basically asked me if they had a question and we’d end up doing what I recommended, so decision making isn’t the problem. What I’m having trouble with is employee discipline. I’m used to being a friend of equal footing. I’m also having trouble with being more professional, in that I’ve worked with these guys for years so I don’t really see myself as their superior yet.
Does anyone have any good solid advice on how to be a better supervisor? Anecdotes or book suggestions are always welcome.