Knowing your People

I've been supervising for over 10 years, and at one point had 45 people in my care. My best advice is be honest and open. You are doing a good job if workers feel comfortable coming to you. To get this to happen, you have to talk, but never let the conversation or subordinates control you. Also, make it a point to go where your workers are and be seen. Most of leadership is learned by doing and not through a book. Be honest, and people will respect you and help you along.

I am also a supervisor for three years now, I handled 120 people under me. At first I was very hesitant to do or to say something because of lack of confidence. You will learn a lot from your people, to gain respect you have to respect them also, try to know them by spending a little time talking with them, there you will be able to recognize their weak and strong points. Being a supervisor is not an easy job, you have to "walk the talk". Try to ask their opinion on something related to work, or on how to improve your performance as a team, this way they will be motivated.