Your First Position as Manager: Assistant

                       Making the move from line employee to management is a great one. Often we have a vision of what we will accomplish. Sometimes we are worried whether we will perform correctly or wonder whether our staff will like and respect us. There is a lot happening moving forward. This is designed to make your transition smoother.

• Get together with your manager or department head. Hopefully they will have an outline of what they would like you to handle. You may be taking over a certain shift. If it's swing shift, they will not be there for all of it. Only a few hours to provide handover information. A lot of properties will have you shadow the department head for anywhere from a few days to a week. A good department head will bring tasks relevant to his position to your attention.

•  Regardless of shift, always be early. If you are working the a.m. shift, arrive before they do. You can have all relevant printouts ready for the meeting.

• Always look professional. Eyes are on you a lot more because you are a new manager. You do not want any negative commentary, much less something as simple as appearance standards to find it's way to your department head. Appearance is easy! This is a no brainer. Keep an eye on yourself throughout the day.

• Provide shift reports. Detail what has happened during your shift, a.m. or p.m. Write down things you notice in your area. Faulty equipment, safety hazards, employee disciplinary or gratification needs, and any possible improvements as far as procedures are concerned. This shows that you are doing your job. That job is to notice, to learn, to see how the department operates. This also demonstrates your understanding of the department, and that you are the kind of manager that notices minor details. Also, record keeping is very important in cases of challenges with employees.

• Don't be afraid to ask! Asking questions shows you are interested. It shows that it is important to you, that you have a complete understanding of the department. It also shows that you want to keep in step with what the department head's plan for the department may be.

• Ask to attend department meetings. You may already be asked to do this. If not, ask. This shows that you are interested in the decision making process of the department. It shows upper management that you are a part of the team and wish to be included in such meetings where the assistant may generally be asked to cover the department. It also says something about you as a manager.

• Ask about handling payroll or scheduling. Chances are you may be asked to do this as part of your shift. It not, ask. This shows you are interested in learning every facet of the department. It also shows your desire for added responsibility and that you are eager and up to the challenge. This will also better you as a manager. When the department head goes on vacation, you will have the skills required to handle the department in his absence. If the opportunity occurs that the department head resigns or transfers to a different department, you will be primed to take over the position and prove that a promotion to department head for yourself is warranted, rather than a new hire taking your place.

• Introduce yourself to other department heads and managers of the property. If you work a separate shift it is a good thing to have those personal relationships. Those people will feel comfortable to bring ideas and issues to you directly, allowing you to achieve on your own without anyone elses guide.

• Have a positive attitude. Remember, you are the assistant! You want to be relied on. Regardless of time of day, or day of the week, be available. Your sacrifices will not go unnoticed and this will develop your perception from others as one that is dependable. Those are the people others want to keep, and to hire.

• Schedule a lunch or dinner with your department head at least once a week. A personal relationship is a great thing to have with your manager. Removing yourself from the business area gives both of you a chance to relax and speak on a more personal level and that creates a better team.

• Develop personal relationships with the staff. If you run your own shift, you will have to do this anyway. If you share a shift, it is still a great thing to do. You are a manager there and you need the trust and respect of your team even when the department head is there. If you fade into the background with them, chances are the same has happened with everyone else at the property. Don't be a shadow just because you work with a department head, be your own person.

                   These are some ideas for your ascent into management stardom. Keeping these items in mind will help propel you to good things in the department.