I have a new, my first ever, supervisory position. How can I be an effective supervisor/manager?

 I don’t know what your current job is. Effective managers IMO IME

1. Care about the well-being of their subordinates.
2. Negotiate reasonable goals and objectives with their people rather than dictating what should be done.
3. Realize that leading requires letting go of the VABE “if you want it done right, do it yourself” and acquiring the VABE “my job is to support Experts so they can work together to meet our goals.” This implies a different set of skills.
4. Learn the “language of leadership:” lose your “but’s”, don’t disguise your opinions as questions, don’t discount yourself, don’t present your opinions as facts.
5. Can clarify the mission of the organization in one inspiring sentence: “we protect those who protect us” (Defense) “we make education affordable for everyone” (Sallie Mae) “Keep Virginia Moving” (VDOT)
6. In fact, develop and clarify a complete charter: mission, vision, values (VABEs), strategies, and short-term measures.
7. Look at their boss’s job and problems and strive to solve those before they get out of hand. WHAT does your boss want?
8. Learn and understand the HR policies so you can accurately advise your subordinates.
9. Make honest and careful assessments of subordinates’ work so you can advise them in a timely and non-threatening manner.
10. Pitch in and help out when needed.
11. Be trustworthy: Four things: Tell the Truth, be consistent, be competent and care about your people.
12. Don’t ask people to do things you wouldn’t do. If you need overtime, you be there, too.
13. Explain, expect and ensure top quality performance. “You teach what you tolerate.”
14. Learn as much as you can about the company’s charter. Be able to articulate it to your people. If upper management hasn’t done one, (all too common) make on paper what you think it should be. Thus prepared, you’ll be ready for the next step.
15. Strive to be successful at every chance you get: Be ahead of schedule, under budget, and well within specifications. Report this in timely fashion. Bosses hate surprises. Repeat: Bosses hate surprises.
16. Always do your best. Never slip into tolerating “good enough” or “average.”
17. Meet with your team regularly—monthly? To discuss what’s going well and what needs to be done better. EARS open in between as you walk around and talk with people for potential issues.
    
    See my website for more:  www.nadobimakoba.com