How do I become a decent assistant manager?
Asked by kadie_bug04
I just recently accepted the job of assistant manager at a service station, one that I have never worked at before. I start next Tuesday. I'm nervous because I've never been an assistant manager before, nor do I feel fully qualified for such a position. I'm a 20 year old college student, and the reason I was offered the job was because of my experience (I've been working for the past 8 yrs) and because of my good attitude and customer service experience. I'm concerned because the people who will be working under me are both older than I am, and are people who I beat out for the job. Some of them are probably more qualified than I am and know it. I guess my questions are What makes a good assistant manager? How do I balance the "manager" with the "friend"? I feel the need to befriend my employees, because employees can make the manager's life hell (who do you think has to come in at 2:00 in the morning when that shift didn't show up?). Just general advice would be nice.

Best Answer:
Make sure that you understand what the manager really wants you to accomplish while you are in-charge. Find out what the daily, weekly, and monthly responsibilities are so you can schedule your time and get those tasks done well and hopefully earlier than required. Being a manager does not always mean that you are the best cashier or sales clerk. It means that you have the confidence of the person doing the hiring that YOU have the ability to get the job done. You have the ability to work well with the other members of the team. They thought you were the person that could best separate your friendship and your professionalism to get the job you are getting paid for done. Many new managers make the mistake of trying to maintain their same relationship with their heretofore co-workers. You may have to make your friends upset if you need to tell them what they need to do. I hope that your old co-workers, both friends and others, respect that you are now in management and follow your lead. Good Luck!

I guess confidence, but NOT tooo much because then you "vulnerable". You can befriend the employees but don't take advantage of that.ummmmm And just try your best!! Good Luck!
Answered by tpsc10

The best manager I ever had told us that he worked for us not we worked for him. It was his job to make sure we had everything we needed in order to do our jobs because without us doing a good job, then his job was pointless. He made us feel so important and that he cared. I'll never forget him and I learned so much. He maintained authority while he maintained respect. To me that is the only way to go.
Answered by amy f

A good manager will not expect her employees to work for with but with her. You are at a higher responsability level so you must always set the example and follow the rules of the company. You must also learn to develop your leadership skills, suggesting new ideas, being ethic, taking iniciative and setting boundaries. Be also sure that you work with your employees to make all of your lives easier. For example, If a part time mother asks you to put her 3 times a week in the schedule, do so. Don't try to control their lives because that's only gonna make her call in sick and you will have to cover her shift. Be flexible and understanding to, but without being too lean. U know what I mean? there's gotta be an equilibrium with everything. Don't worry about being a young manager, it is very common now a days and it will test your leadership abilities even more.
Answered by ♥Popotitozz♥

I've been there, and I know it's tough. But think about teachers you've had or your friends' parents - the most effective ones weren't friends, were they? I'd strongly suggest not befriending them, at least not at first. Be friendly and open, of course, but don't go out for beers or anything. On the reverse side, DON'T play the hardass, the "I'm coming in here to get things changed". One really great tecnhique is to ask employees what they think are the strengths and weaknesses of your location, thank them for their input, and use it when possible. This gives them ownership. A good way to "get in good" with them is to do something for them that isn't friendly, but would be appreciated. Like buy breakfast or sandwich stuff. And of course the best way is to do a great job. Great management is always appreciated and people do recognize it. Focus on doing a great job, not getting on well with others. Follow your company rules as well as possible. And one thing that I've seen wreck many people in middle-management, never talk smack about ANYONE, and when people smack-talk higher ups, always side with the higher up. There's a reason they do what they do, and if you don't know it, try to find out what it is. When people say "why do we do this crap", either answer with the truth or find out why specifically. Remember that most companies spend a load of time and money evaluating data to make every policy time, money, and energy efficient. And good luck.
Answered by jenissing

congratulation on your new job I've once become assistant manager but diffrent business Ofcouse u need to become friends with your employees. But remember about keeping your intregrity and your behavior. make lines between work and friends OK goodluck for you
Answered by Ice Blue

Instead of thinking "decent", how about thinking "exceptional". Having been a manager, I think maybe the most important issue you will have is keeping enough distance from your employees to be objective. Being fair to everyone and somehow telling the truth no matter what were the two things I found to be essential. Maybe think about what you respect in your past supevisors. Hopefully, your current supervisor will be willing to help you through the rough spots. One thing that kept me going in a positive direction was figuring out what each person was good at doing then very quietly working that into what they did at work. Also, I gave them lots of credit, concentrating to what they brought to the organization. In the end most respected me. The exceptions were the inevitable ones who had no intention of getting along with any manager. The best of everything to you, and congratulations!
Answered by wanna know