too soon to be supervisor

buzzyG4

I,v just done the leaving cert and have been offered a job as a full time supervisor in the convenience store i have worked in part time for last 12 months. Just want to know if anyone thinks im too young to go for this as alot of the staff are older and more experienced than me and really I'd feel uncomfortable telling them what to do, they are happy staying in part time positions and dont want to progress but i really want to get into management later on and think id be mad not to take this as i really know the job, one of the people reporting to me would be someone who hired and trained me while they were temporarily managing but later decided they didnt want to stay doin this, job is unattractive to some due to unsocialble hours( 6.30 opens -12 am close) supervisors need to work all of this. She has always been over me in a way though so dont think it would work smoothly I dont know whether i lack confidence or this is normal but how do I motivate a 28 year old or even a 39 year old to do the job to high standards and follow rules ive put in place, like ive just gone 18 so im not going to be taken seriously. Was thinking of taking the job and just leaving the "difficult" people to get on with the job their own way and developing my skilld through the newer/younger staff.Anyone ever had to break through this barrier?

snellers

Take the job if you feel it is the direction you want to go!

18 or 80 years old doesn't matter - you have obviously shown an ability and willingness to perform well and have been given an opportunity to take things further - your boss has faith in you so have faith in yourself!

it isn't easy managing people a lot older than yourself but the bottom line is it is possible and something you would grow into being able to do well very quickly. Your company has policies, hours of work, work performance expectations and clearly defined roles for those working - your job would be to ensure they carry out tasks as defined - not create new rules, so think of yourself less as a 'ball breaking manager' and more a 'policy manager' - you can grow into the ball breaking part of the role as your experience increases!! :-) (although only poor managers shout IMO!)

whatever you do don't let people take advantage but at the same time don't rock the boat for the sake of it...treat all equally and respectfully whether young or old but at the same time do not accept crap from those that should know better.....
Do not, I repeat do not try and dress people down in front of others....this is likely to backfire in your face spectacularly ....

if you ever have concerns with someone take them to one side and have a quiet word in private or speak at the end of the shift - people will quickly respect your approach and if they do not then you take it up with your boss

as a very worst case scenario you take the job and realise the working environment is not for you and decide to change - at least you would gain experience and knowledge - I say go for it!!!!

best of luck!!!

eth0_

Go for it, I say! It's a very good reflection on you that your bosses feel that - despite your age - you would suit the role of supervisor.

AARRRGH

Everyone always thinks they are too young/not experienced/etc. when it comes to moving to management.

I know two girls who were like you. I pushed them to go for it, and now they have really successful management careers.

Basically, we don't get offered many opportunities in this life, so when one comes along, go for it!

buzzyG4

Yes i agree totally that we should grab opportunities and i know i can do the job ,i know the store inside out and have even had some training on stock ordering and invoicing which most supervisors would not get. the thing is i really have a problem telling those who basically were over me at one stage ,what to do. One person is about 28 and really should be running their own shop only for other circumstances they have, and i feel i couldnt manage them realistically as it would be just like them taking orders off their kid sister in a way and i dont want to be laughed at and not taken seriously enough, have confidence in actually doing the job though.

snellers

don't forget you are no longer at school - you are in the workplace.

the fact that this person you mention has so much experience should mean they understand the difficulties you might have starting out and will work with you, not against.

Don't worry about it - GO FOR IT!!!! :-)

buzzyG4

Thankyou for the advice guys I told them today that I will take the job and officially begin as supervisor on monday next, really happy that I took it now and looking forward to the challenge. Not going to take any crap especially from those who should know better but will be fair at the same time. Im thinking of taking that person aside and letting them know what I expect from them in advance in order to avoid problems or misunderstandings and to ask for their help as they have so much experience. So hope im taking the right approach now ?

snellers

I wouldn't necessarily take someone to one side in advance of any issues - wait until something happens and then address it.

I would personally try not to use the 'I expect' chat as it can come across condascening unless you are backing up your expectations with many years of experience (which you at present won't have).....try a less formal approach of 'this is what I have to ensure happens to fulfill my job - and your role would be to x, y and z

don't use it word for word but hopefully you get the idea

Best of luck and let us know how it goes!!!!

word of warning.....be prepared to hate the first couple of days - it could be a baptism of fire ...it could be great of course but don't expect to be 100% content - within a week you will be flying I'm sure!!!!