Congratulations, you just accepted a new job as supervisor! After celebrating the victory, reality sinks in and you wonder whether you even know what to do. Your primary role is now staff management, so how do you begin?
The best way to start a new chapter is to lay a good foundation. Establish important building blocks that will help you manage and communicate more effectively.
Set yourself up for success on your first day by following these organizational tips:
- Begin task lists. Reflect upon the goals of your team and organization. Brainstorm ways to make progress. Identify and record individual assignments that will help reach your targets.
- Set up electronic tools. Discover ways in which technology can help you organize. For example, create group email lists to speed up communications. Establish file-sharing protocol and group calendars.
- Make up a staff meeting schedule. Plan to meet with your team regularly, perhaps once a week or biweekly. Offer consistency by sticking to the same time and day. Spend your first meeting going over goals and expectations. Include a discussion to establish a clear vision.
- Schedule one-on-one meetings. Meet with individuals on your team once or twice each month. Use your first meetings to discover their current roles and personal aspirations. Future sessions can be meetings or informal chats, depending on what works best for you and your team.
- Start private files for each employee. It’s never too soon to think about annual reviews. Plan on recording accomplishments, failures, and both positive and negative behaviors throughout the year. This information will help you later on to more efficiently and thoroughly prepare review documentation.
What other organizational methods will help new supervisors get started?
Filed under: Leadership, Time Management Tagged: | employee performance, meetings, new managers, new supervisor skills, organization
