After getting on unemployment for starting a union, spending my time padding my resume and applying to bullshit jobs that mean I could afford things like A House and Teeth, it finally seems to have paid off. I had an interview to be the manager of a fancy wine store location. I don't drink, and have never been general manager of an entire location. The entire went insanely well, I was asked when I could start/meet the owner.
I'm just wondering, do you have any advice for someone who may be put into a firing/hiring capacity soon? Any common pitfalls to avoid? It sounds like the location I'm inheriting control of is kinda doing Meh so I don't there will be too much pressure to perform at first. The interviewer seemed to really like me and basically tell me that most of her hard job (she manages another location) is easy and has been automated by her engineer BF and she can give me the files.
I was thinking about hiring staff, having schedules be consistent (I don't wanna do like, gig economy scheduling, easier for everyone,) suggesting weekly meetings and having staff vote on policies? and after I earn their trust during one of the meetings just going "By the way, if you all want to unionize I think that'd be rad. I couldn't be a part of it but LMK if you have any questions about the process."
But that also all seems really risky? Should I just put my fucking head down, do what I think is right, and ride wave, so to speak?
I'm, very intimidated, this 2.5x as much money as I've made in my life before.
Yeah I mean what I laid out was kinda based on how How Much Can I Apply Anarchist Theory (i'm the /c/anarchism mod lol) To A Job With Inherent Hierarchy. Is there any advice or articles or anything you'd recommend I read? Or do I sound reasonable?
I'm sorry, I'm so nervous.
I found an online course through a continuing education platform but can't remember the exact course name but included "Horizontal Leadership" I'd some internet searching with that terminology and skim through some until you find something that isn't complete garbage but I would trust your own intuition and knowledge.
Going in day 1 and asking the employees "how can I help this job suck less for you, what are the common problems you face, the owner wants this done any suggestions on how to do that" combined with doing as much grunt work as you are able to will set the tone that you are trying to involve them in the management & operation of the wine store. Especially since there is a good chance that the folks already working there will know a good bit about the wine that moves & what kind of customers you get in. Scheduling may be the trickiest thing to find a balance for but being open about what is challenging for you to the other co-workers was my approach.
I think you sound reasonable and most stuff you'd end up reading on this is going to be really obvious to you so honestly as nervous as you are I'm sure you'll be the best manager they've had just by virtue of you asking the initial question.