Business Roles - On Being A Supervisor" You think you are there to be the boss?" had this on my mind as I took on the position of a supervisor in a production line of about 12 people.
Well, I was quite wrong in my definition of my role. Knowing your role as supervisor is the first step to victory.
Here's the story on my 7 initial steps to victory.
Getting all the information about the company I wanted to work for was a plus for me. Good for me, I got to visit the site, interview the people there and ask about how the things work. Why? It was my part of my school project in College. The company I selected for a school project was also the company I wanted to work for. Step 1 is to know who you are working for, the company and its values.
When I became an employee of the said manufacturing plant, I found out that not knowing enough, "fast" was a "no, no". What kept reverberating in my mind was . . . "nakakahiya. Nakakahiya magtanong. Bago ako dito. Wala akong kakilala. Baka anong isipin nila." (I am ashamed to ask and I don't know anybody well enough. They might think little of me.) This just showed the importance of self-talk. This also mirrors my self-confidence, which was running a little low. Step 2 is to know the policies and how things are being run, the protocol, etc.
It is important to lift your self-confidence, I kept telling myself. How do you do that? Learn. Study who's who. Step 3 is to uncover who the big boss is, the one whom you should greet when you meet at the cafeteria. the medium or middle boss, your immediate superior and the little boss, the informal leader of your subordinates. Take a good peek of the "org chart". It pays to have a broad view of the reporting system.
I remember, I did not make clear some policies on workdays and pay and effective dates, thus I have no peace of my mind if I was paid correctly, or if I was given what was due me. That sucks!
I read the employee handbook, half asleep. Haba e. Anyway, that was Step 4. I need not memorize everything all at once, by letter. I can refer back to the handbook. I just have to be aware that there is such a provision about this and that.
On top of the browsing, I kept observing how things are done, listening carefully on people's way of communicating, the vocabulary and jargon used. That is Step 5, I observed.
Then, I met a co-supervisor whom I've become buddies with. She has no hang-ups with me , being the new kid in the block. She finds me of no threat to her. Try to find helpful people whom you can ask questions. Finding a good buddy is Step 6 for me.
You know what, this buddy of mine has become a good friend up to now, even if we got separated after her resignation and eventually mine. We are still good friends keeping in contact though we have not seen each other face-to-face for long while, not even in Facebook.
Watch out with stories given to you especially by subordinates. No harm in counter checking, especially negative things about co-workers. Build your own view of the situations and the people. You can check with your buddy, but have your own insights as well.
I was also fortunate to be part of the company's newsletter. I had then opportunity to interview people, another plus for me. I became a member of a productive group. I was given the excuse to be inquisitive. I get to hear different points of view.
Being new to your job or position has its good points, for you see with a pair of fresh eyes. You should be able to recommend sound suggestions on how to improve things, little by little. Not so fast lest you step on somebody's toes.
Finally, Step 7. You must know your role as a supervisor. What is expected of you? For the next 3 months and by the end of the year? What are your functions and what reports and projects do you have to submit.
I discovered too, that you must somehow be able to talk to the big boss and hear his expectations for he has a broader perspective of things.
My medium boss wants me to do a daily report. My big boss wants me to focus on improvements at the line. My subordinates just want someone to talk to and hear there pleas.
"If you are prepared, then you are able to feel confident".
Robert J. Ringer
"Confidence and courage come through preparation and practice".
Anonymous
"Winning breeds confidence and confidence breeds winning".
Hubert Green
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