First time management advice.

[BLACKFINTURKEY]

So a little back history, I started with TXDOT at the ripe age of 19 and have been there for a little over 5 years now, I started as a basic maintenance tech and learned quickly. In about 8 months I started doing more specialty jobs i.e. Operating a motor grader and starting to run my own crew on small jobs off and on with my main job just a equipment operator. Last week I accepted a job as the crew leader in the same office I've been at the whole time. This is the first time I'm truly a manager of sort. I know it's going to be tough but I have great management backing me, my biggest concern is that I'm 24 and most of my crew is 28-50 I have already heard rumors that if some of the crew doesn't want me as there boss due to my age.

So for y'all that have been in management for a while any tips?

[lab man]

Lead by example. Early to work and work harder than your crew without doing there job for them.
Let them know what you expect and do not accept anything less than that.
Good luck.

[Bazo]

First one in last one out
Listen to your people
Everyone is different
Don't get sucked into the weeds
Have fun


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sleepy]

I got put into a similar situation a few years ago. Went from working along side a bunch of guys and then all of the sudden, I'm over them and they have to answer to me. 5-6 years working along side some of these guys and we became friends so to speak. The hardest part for me was transitioning from friend co-worker mode to boss mode. I'll say, there's a big difference and if you want to do your job well, you have to put all emotions and "friendships" aside when it comes to work. Business is business. I was 27 when I got the position and like you, was over guys older enough to be my dad, and another one that practically trained me. Some won't like it and they will talk about you behind your back. I learned to just let it all go and do my job. Someone will just make life harder on themselves. Good luck and congrats. Life is about to be a little more stressful!

Edit: also, be humble and try not to poke your chest out. I don't know about your guys and crew, but in management, a lot of times you become a babysitter for adults and you've got to hold their hand. Be a straight shooter and don't beat around the bush. Don't worry about hurting someone's feelings. If you have to get on to someone, they probably did it to themselves.

[RDT]

In any job it's easier to learn the job than learning how to work people.
Good Luck

[Colorado87]

Look at your crew as a team.
Be the hardest worker on the team.
Expect more of yourself than you do of them.
Don't ask them to do anything you aren't willing to do.
Work hard and treat then well and they will follow you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[wsteffen]

Look at your crew as a team.
Be the hardest worker on the team.
Expect more of yourself than you do of them.
Don't ask them to do anything you aren't willing to do.
Work hard and treat then well and they will follow you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Well said

[Pedernal]

A few points of advice:

When asked a question for which you don't know the answer, be honest and let them know you will look into it... Above that follow through and get the question answered

Don't ask any of them to do anything you are not willing to do yourself

There might come a time when something will go terribly wrong due to an employee following your direct guidance... If the employee did as you requested, you must step up and immediately take full responsibility...

Just because you are the crew leader does not mean you know best... The senior guys will naturally have abundant experiance and most of them will gladly help out if treated with respect

Last and most important of all, there are problem child employees in both government and in the private sector. Learn the correct manner in which to document these problem child employee issues. One bad apple on a crew is a cancer that will grow out of control if you don't address the issues.

Best of luck to you. After being a supervisor for 6 and 1/2 years, I requested and was granted a voluntary demotion due to not wanting to baby sit grown adults any longer.

[BLACKFINTURKEY]

A few points of advice:

When asked a question for which you don't know the answer, be honest and let them know you will look into it... Above that follow through and get the question answered

Don't ask any of them to do anything you are not willing to do yourself

There might come a time when something will go terribly wrong due to an employee following your direct guidance... If the employee did as you requested, you must step up and immediately take full responsibility...

Just because you are the crew leader does not mean you know best... The senior guys will naturally have abundant experiance and most of them will gladly help out if treated with respect

Last and most important of all, there are problem child employees in both government and in the private sector. Learn the correct manner in which to document these problem child employee issues. One bad apple on a crew is a cancer that will grow out of control if you don't address the issues.

Best of luck to you. After being a supervisor for 6 and 1/2 years, I requested and was granted a voluntary demotion due to not wanting to baby sit grown adults any longer.

Some great advice on all of these replies, some hit home hard especially the problem child as we have a few. Thanks guys I really appreciate all the advice. It won't be easy and I never expected it to be, thanks again.

[Juice]

You have to transition yourself out of buddy mode. Many people in your shoes tell everyone and remind them they are the boss. If you are the boss be the boss. Remember one thing. The people that work for you are the people that help make you look good or bad and not everyone works the same way you do. lead by example and realize that you succeed as a team.

[Drycreek3189]

Resist the temptation to boss just to be bossing. Not everyone will do a job just like you would, but if he gets the job done in about the same time, don't sweat it.

[trophy8]

Age has very very little to do with knowledge. I currently do and have worked with guys with 20+ years experience and I run circles around them with a touch over 5. Don't rub it in anyone's face. Don't ask them to do a job you wouldn't do yourself. Treat them with respect. Help when you can. Be happy. Show them a leader. Not a "boss". And you'll very rarely have to be a "boss". When that time comes then do what is needed. Good luck and I hope you do great!!

[Razrbk89]

I've been in a similar position for the last year and a half. Very difficult to get older guys (or anyone these days) to listen to you in this "I'm always right" world that our parent's generation created.

Makes me want to get out of my current position, but I'm proabably different from most. Be a good team member in your position and good luck!

[BLACKFINTURKEY]

Thanks guys pretty much everything that has been said is what my plan is. Like my boss I plan to, over time build all these guys up to where they want to be and challenge them to think critically. I want each and every one of them to be better than me and succeed to beyond their potential.

I agree attitude is the most important thing. If I can show my crew that we have a great job and are making a differance I believe we will thrive together.

[Death from Above]

Be humble
Be fair
Be teachable