Management Opportunity

[pursuitofspirit]

I have an opportunity to manage the smoke shop I work at that has a total of 7 employees. This came to me after the current manager has dropped the ball and failed at executing basic managerial tasks over the last few months. The owner of this smoke shop (and the 7 other locations they own across 3 states) told me she really values my perspective and appreciates my consistent hard work. She then asked if I would be interested in managing. I said yes.

Keep in mind, this location is popping. Around 150-200 customers every day, a full warehouse with shipments coming in and out, etc.

If I get this position, what advice would you have? I am 25, about to turn 26. Most of my other coworkers are aged 21-35. All of my coworkers are women, and one of them (one of the youngest at age 23, who has only been working for around 5 months) has been campaigning hard and lobbying to be manager. Her and her best friend (the mean girl clique at the store) basically did a pseudo-coup and threatened the current manager to step up or she would be fired. This younger employee seemed like the only option to replace her until the owner asked me if I would be interested. (Up until this point I have been laying low and executing. I did no power grab. Dark horse vibes). It is an interesting dynamic.

Anything helps. Thank you.

Edited 5 hours ago by pursuitofspirit

[LastThursday]

No real solid advice as such, but I have some experience in managing teams.

It looks like you might already know what needs to be done, since you mentioned your old manager dropped the ball. Half the job is then just to constantly keep on top of the logistics and the non-people side of things: managing stock, deliveries, selling etc. i.e. the mechanics and admin of the position. The fact that your boss has confidence in you is a very good sign, and you can use them as your ally if difficult situations crop up.

The other half of the job is the people side of things, and this is where most managers trip up. It's a matter of approach. First is to respect the people around you at all times, even if they're difficult or disrespectful themselves, and treat everyone equally and fairly. Second is to listen to the people who do their particular jobs day in day out, they may have good ideas for improvements, take them seriously and take action on them. Third, act on any transgressions or bad behaviour as quickly as possible, and discipline if necessary (in private), or at the very least be firm about what is not acceptable. Fourth, trust people to do their jobs without constant supervision, delegate when possible to show people you trust them.

There is a more psychological side in terms of perception and keeping your distance. You should aim to pitch in with the people you manage when it's necessary, i.e. be seen to do things that are not strictly your role from time to time. You should be punctual for meetings, and early to arrive and late to leave. You should avoid being mates with people you manage, because this makes it very hard to treat everyone equally, and can lead to favouritism and make it hard to discipline them. You should bring on side the "troublemakers" as soon as possible, by listening to their ideas and showing them trust.

The age thing I wouldn't worry about too much, if you're a decent manager, people will accept you for who you are and not worry about your age. As a manager there will always be a mix of people younger and older than you.

Good luck!

Edited 1 hour ago by LastThursday