SHROOMHUNTSMAN said:

Lead by example is and was constantly beaten into my head. I've worked in the Army and I was a Non-Commissioned Leader (NCO) for 5 years.  But I've had years of preparation through various other jobs working over and under people. You know what right and wrong look and feel like since you were at the bottom ladder once- never forget that and try to look at situations from a subordinate's perspective as well. 

Be willing to get your hands dirty.  They will not respect you ( even though you're the supervisor) if you just watch them all the time and never share in the workload.

Offer up incentives, if possible, for everyone besides the pay. Best team in the factory. 

As a leader you should know when to turn off and on the humor.  Let your boys relax a bit as long as their performance is meeting standards- but always try to push beyond the standards set.  You need to be clear on how they address you instead of one of the guys. You have to separate work and play. 

If you got a problem with someone never correct them in front of coworkers etc.  Hopefully you know this...

Be open and adopt an open door policy.  anyone can come to you if they have a problem or go to higher authority if you are the problem.

Don't be a brown-noser, this can not be overstated.

If possible and within budget, plan a get together with some of the employees. If you can plan company picnics etc than all the better.

I could go on and on so pm if you ever have questions I don't want to take over your post.  I have a wealth of knowledge- I say that with no ego..

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Gretchenmeister said:

Leading by example is always good. I have been a supervisor for many years and now own my little corporation with 23 some odd employees.  Before I start laying the law down, I usually am seen working twice as hard as anyone else. I have a generally friendly and positive attitude about work, it sets the pace for others.  It is work, work sucks, especially if you are in a bottle factory in 120F weather. Adds insult to injury to have to endure such environment with fruitless bullshit powertripper management tactics. Music is good, iced anything is good, especially if you take time to arrange the novelty yourself.

I do feel it is especially important to figure out the standards you will be a stickler about, and stick to them from day one.  And while being friendly, you have to also not befriend folks. You have tons to worry about and the last thing you need is to be everyone's personal advocate.

Never be seen or heard speaking negatively about another person in your workplace.  Always face challenge with a positive attitude. Thats what good leaders do, and good employees will usually follow.

Bad and negative management tactics lead to mutiny on the ship and make a miserable work place for you to go to as well. No one likes going to work feeling like a load of bricks is on their chest. 

Best of luck!

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