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Staff management - anyone know a good management course?

  • 02-11-2010 9:58pm
    #1
    District
    Closed Accounts Posts: 10 ✭


    Hi All

    I started business a couple of years back. Its a small retail business and I employ a couple of staff.

    The thing is that I did not come from a management background and I have no management experience. As a result of this sometimes I can do or say the wrong thing and maybe not manage situations as best as I could.

    So my question is this - does anyone know of a good people management/conflict resolution or assertiveness course that I could do?

    Also I would be very interested in hearing about anyone elses experiences as a first time manager and how they coped with it. Any advice would be very welcome.

    Thanks in advance.
    Tagged:


Comments

  • #2
    buzz11
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 764 ✭✭✭buzz11


    Try www.imi.ie or Irish Times Training


  • #3
    munstergirl
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 771 ✭✭✭munstergirl


    As an ex retail manager, one of the main things is treat people the way you would want to be treated. Nothing better than working in a good atmosphere.

    Managers are quick to give out, but slow to give praise.

    Nothing should come as a surprise to employee. Keep them in the loop, good + not so good.

    Don't know of any training courses.

    Have a basic set of rules in writing. (just some off the top of my head)

    Lateness will not be tolerated.

    No standing around doing nothing.

    No eating, drinking on shop floor.

    Shop must be full at end of night ready for next day.

    If you need help ask, if your not sure ask.

    Manager door is always open.


  • #4
    District
    Closed Accounts Posts: 10 ✭District


    Thanks for your replies.

    Buzz

    Thanks for the suggestions.
    I had a look at the IMI website and to be honest its not quite what I had in mind. I think the Irish Times training would be more suitable. The only thing is that they their training tend to be one day courses. What I am looking for is something over a couple of weeks so that I could practise what I was learning.

    Munstergirl
    Thanks for the advice. While I try to implement a set of rules it can be hard as I also try to make it a fun place to work. I have difficulty letting the staff know when they are crossing the line. I think that while there is a semi formal structure in place it is more the enforcement of it that I have issues with. While I'm good with the customers it is the staff handling skills that I have a problem with. I'm not one for confrontation and don't handle aggressive behaviour (from staff) too well.


  • #5
    DubTony
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,267 ✭✭✭DubTony


    District wrote: »
    While I try to implement a set of rules it can be hard as I also try to make it a fun place to work. I have difficulty letting the staff know when they are crossing the line. I think that while there is a semi formal structure in place it is more the enforcement of it that I have issues with. While I'm good with the customers it is the staff handling skills that I have a problem with. I'm not one for confrontation and don't handle aggressive behaviour (from staff) too well.

    OK, firstly, work shouldn't necessary be fun. Obviously you want your staff to turn up, so it shouldn't be a place they hate to come to every day, and theres' no harm in having a laugh from time to time, but I have a feeling you might be making it "fun" so that you can get on with them and be their friend. Your staff are NOT your friends. Your friends are your friends and your staff are your staff. They should be kept separate. The usual reason staff cross the line is because the lines haven't been defined clearly enough.

    You need to be the boss, and they need to know it. Structures, defined duties, good customer service and a friendly atmosphere should be the priorities. A lot of this comes down to good staff selection. When I recruit people I firstly look for a nice personality and a smile, and then determine whether they have the ability to do the work.

    Ensure they are well aware of their duties and that work comes first. Being the boss is supposed to be a lonely job.

    As for aggressive staff. There's no need for aggression in the work place. Screaming and shouting belong on the street, not in the shop or office. It can be classed as Gross Misconduct. P45 and the door, or to play it safe, a "final written warning" and then sack them if they do it again.


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