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.
definitely, think of your role as an advocate for the people with less power than you. protect them from bullies, both above them and from outside.
a good leader uses their institutional power to get their people what they need to be effective. i.e., in retail, can they sit down and do their job, or is there the typical american culture of expecting shift workers to be on their feet constantly for no reason. set schedules are a great idea.
if you have an employee that needs improvement, always coach in private. on the flip side, always praise in public.