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Game Plan For Success For First Time Accounting and Finance Supervisors
You’ve just been promoted to the role of Accounting or Finance supervisor in your Toronto company.
You are thrilled, however, still somewhat nervous, and understandably so. After all, you’ve never been a boss before and you certainly don’t want to blow this chance you’ve been given. Plus, you may now be supervising former co-workers. Have you just entered a minefield?
Read below for some tips to help you make a great transition into supervisor role.
PACE:
Don’t move too fast. Pretend you’ve just started at the company and observe and learn. Make any changes you believe should be made after about three months, no sooner.
MEETINGS:
Set up meetings with each of your team members. Talk to them about their jobs, what they hope to do in their careers, what they think needs to be changed within the department.
MAKING CHANGES:
Once you’ve been there a while and you’ve talked to your team members, don’t be afraid to make changes you think should be made (and keep the things you think should stay the same). You’re the supervisor now; you need check in with no one (except your own supervisor).
ACCESSIBILITY:
Make sure you’re accessible to your team members. Let them know you have an open door policy – and then make sure it’s open. Walk to their offices or around the department and see what folks are up to (do so in a friendly way, not an “I’m keeping an eye on you because I don’t trust you” mien. Ask workers if there’s anything you can do to help them perform their jobs to the best of their abilities.
KEEP ASKING QUESTIONS:
You won’t be able to find the answers unless you’re asking questions to find out what needs to be improved, what challenges the members of your team face, etc.
CONSISTENCY:
Be consistent and fair when it comes to discipline. Don’t play favorites.
KEEP LEARNING:
Take advantage of any and all “how to be a better manager” type classes offered by your employer. Never stop learning all that you can. Never. (Encourage your employees to do the same and see if you can find money in your budget to either pay for the seminars/conferences entirely or at least partially.)
SET AN EXAMPLE:
Be the type of employee you want your staff to be. No more complaining. No more showing up late. No more coming up with creative excuses as to why something can’t be done. If you want your staff to be upbeat, be upbeat. If you want them to be early, be early. In other words, don’t ask them to be something you’re not willing to be, as well.
How can we help? Please let us know how we can support you or your business?
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