My fellow assistant manager is one of those people who is really cool as long as things go his way. He is admittedly, more efficient than I am both at getting things done himself and utilizing the help he has to get things done. I’m improving on both counts, though.
I don’t know if it’s because I’m too nice a guy that people don’t always bust a gut to get things done on my shift, or if it’s that I don’t give clear enough goals or instruction. My counterpart is very aloof and doesn’t like to be bothered while he’s working on his stuff. That’s not a good thing, but at the same time, I think he gives the associates clear assignments before he disappears. It seems to work as far as getting things done, but it’s not my style. I think management should be approachable and supportive. I think I am those two things. I just need to be more assertive, decisive and authoritative. I truly don’t care about being liked. It’s more of a confidence thing.
The best managers I’ve had over the years have been nice and approachable, but still commanded respect because they were clear about what they expected, and were not afraid to both delegate and to express disappointment and discipline when necessary. I respected and liked those managers. I strive to be like that.
It’s challenging to get on people’s cases for not getting things done sometimes because I struggle with it myself. The job is fast paced and demanding, with CONSTANT interruptions. But there are times when I’ve thought that I could work circles around someone and I am too gentle in telling them to pick up the pace. Part of the reason for that is that I have a hard time relating to people who are not self-motivated like I have always been. Many people will get work done when you give them a specific goal and check up on them. The checking up on them is the key part for most, which I tend to lag on. When I’m given something to do, I want to do it for my own sense of satisfaction upon completion. I’ve had one or two associates like that in over a year as an assistant manager of a dollar store. I’ve realized with some disillusionment, that even good workers usually need to feel that someone is watching to put the maximum into the job. Maybe that’s fair, if they think you won’t notice either way; whether they bust their ass or slack off. I know it’s on me as the one in charge.
People might think that being an assistant manager of a dollar store is easy, but there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. Like many businesses these days, discount retailers rely on minimal staff/payroll to maximize profit. A “fast paced environment” means understaffed. “Multi-tasking” means doing three peoples’ job (for less pay than your predecessor).
It is what it is, and I strive to do it to the best of my ability. I feel that I am continually improving, but it’s frustrating, especially because I could be doing so much more. I lacked support or guidance when I was younger. (See Father’s Day post) but I’m not blaming disappointments in life on my parents. The choices I made and actions I took, or didn’t take, are mine to own. That’s what keeps me going. If I blamed everything on others, I’d be bogged down in self pity and bitterness.
So, I do the best I can where I am while looking ahead and trying to plan for the future. That’s all anyone can do.
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