Ask HRLite: My daughter is 19 and was recently promoted to supervisor at the fast food restaurant where she works. She is very nervous because she will be telling her friends what to do. I am not sure what advice I should give my daughter.
HRLite’s Reply: First of all, congratulations to your daughter. This will be a very exciting time for her, and for you, and we encourage you to take the time at the end of each work day to sit down and talk to her about her day at work. Just having someone to talk to about work can be a real stress reliever and make the whole experience a whole lot more rewarding and enjoyable. As for her nervousness, it is natural and not without some basis in reality. We have both been in her situation and being promoted to a situation where you have to supervise your friends is a challenge.
In terms of what advice we would give your daughter, we would advise her that she should embrace rather than distance herself from her friends. The wrong thing to do in this situation would be to all of a sudden start acting like the “boss.” When a person is made a supervisor at a young age, it is important that she not try to hard to prove herself and that she not adopt a “tough guy or girl” attitude. This will only lead to resistance and hard feelings.
Instead, she should encourage her friends to take ownership over their work, get involved, and share with her in decision making. She should adopt the attitude that this is a team and she is the team leader, not a “boss.” Use your friendships to your advantage; do not fight your friends. When you do have to make a decision, be clear and fair and make sure everyone understand the reasons for your decision.
Supervising friends can be rewarding and fun as long as you maintain the proper attitude. Employees want a supervisor who is fair, honest, and notices how hard they work. Appreciate your employees and they will appreciate you.
