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Bardonicus · Jan 22, 2009, 11:16 AM

Hi,

Let's start with a shocker by saying that I'm 22 years old working as a IT messaging architect and systems engineer for a ITC outsourcing company. I started working for this company about 2 and a half years ago. From bottom feeder to senior engineer. I love my job and I think that passion drove my rapid growth into what I am today. I work hard and I do my best and that has been paying off. Yesterday I was informed that there would be a new (very inexperienced) technician starting and that I am him 'direct manager'. It even states that on his contract. (He is 25 by the way which makes things a bit strange for me)

So today was the first day on the job for him. I was showing him around and teaching him things straight of the bat. I want to make my boss proud and I don't want to let him down but above all else, I want to be a good manager. Do you guys have ANY resources or tips or anything that can get me going? I am naturally nervous about it and I want to make sure that I do a good job.

Thank you in advance.

hoightoider · Jan 24, 2009, 11:54 PM

As a manager, you want people to do their best for you. To accomplish that, always be respectful and ask for the input from your team in making decisions. The more experienced man can prove to be a major asset to you and you would be wise to take advantage of what he has to offer. I would be certain to solicit his opinions and let him know you appreciate his experience. If you act threatened by what he knows that will not serve you well.

Bardonicus · Jan 25, 2009, 01:00 AM

That is very good advise thank you hoightoider, I appreciate the input. Do you know of any resources like books etc. that could help me?

hoightoider · Jan 25, 2009, 01:59 AM

Bardonicus, I am a big follower of W. Edwards Deming - Google him. There are several books you can read concerning his management techniques. He is was a pioneer in teaching businesses to manage from the bottom up. If you want to know what is wrong with a process, ask the people involved in that process as opposed to management. He teaches employees are only as good as the systems and procedures management gives them. Dr. Deming was instrumental in putting management system in place in Japan after the war. These systems led to the Japanese building quality vehicles and electronics, etc.

His teachings are geared towards manufacturing, but his basic principles are ubiquitous. Dr Deming was a statistician and believed all steps involved in the manufacturing process should be tracked for quality so improvements in the process was an ongoing job. This was opposed to the American style of inspecting for quality after the cycle was completed. The point is: would you rather own a Ford or a Honda?

artlady · Jan 25, 2009, 02:10 AM

Be yourself!

You got where you are that way so continue doing what works for you. The fact that you are asking this questions shows you're a nice guy with humility.

You can be a friendly boss. Boss has a bad sound to it. I prefer teacher.

I was young and I had people *under me* (bad expression) and I felt uncomfortable but I knew the job and I trained and they respected that

Be yourself,you have your personality and humility going for you right off the bat!