Practical ways to maintain your professionalism when you are promoted to a supervisory position.
Congratulations! If you're reading this article, it probably means you have just gotten a well-earned promotion. For most people this is a high-point in their careers, but for others adjusting to the new role and the power that comes along with it can be troubling. This might be the first promotion you've received where you are in a position to supervise other staff members, or this could be another step up the corporate ladder for you. Whichever situation you find yourself in, there are some things you can do to make the transition as seamless as possible.
Be Prepared for the Adjustment Period
Understand both the perks and the challenges of your new position. The first thing people think of when they are offered a promotion is to automatically assume there will be a substantial raise in their salary. While promotions do come with pay increases, they also come with more responsibilities, an increasing workload and longer hours. These are all normal changes you will need to become accustomed to during your transitional period.
Do not assume you "know it all"
You were promoted either because you applied for a higher position in your company, or you were offered it by your manager because he/she thought you showed potential. You are not expected to walk into your new office with your new title and "know how everything works". At this point in your transition to supervisor, you need to remember to ask for help when you need it. Ask for training or any other assistance you may need right away so that you can get your promotion started on the right foot. Asking for help or talking to some of the other supervisors may help you see what areas are most important to the position. Asking for help is always a sign of self-improvement.
Know what kind of boss you want to be
This is a hard thing for a lot of first time supervisors. Having to manage a group of people who you were just working side-by-side with is going to be awkward. There will have to be boundaries set, so that your employees know that you are now their supervisor and they are to come to you with problems and concerns. You want to think about what managerial style best fits with your personality. Developing your own managerial style is important because it demonstrates a level of constancy, which employees need. Whether you decide to be the tough as nails boss or the authoritative boss, or the boss that sits back and takes it all in.
Dealing with co-workers who are jealous of your promotion
That green eyed monster is always around when there are promotions being giving out. There's a good chance that one or more of your co-workers had applied for the same promotion, but they lost out to you. The best thing you can do in this situation is to acknowledge it and talk to them about it. Ignoring it or sweeping it under the rug will only lead to years of animosity which is not needed in the office.
Remember to transition from your old staff position to your new supervisory position, with professionalism. By keeping in mind these simple points, you can be on your way to a seamless promotion. For further information on how to be a good supervisor, Personnel Today offers some great advice.
