Taking That Step

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Hello all, Marty back with you at Warehouse and Operations as a Career. Its been busy, but busy is good. The first quarter of 2023 is gone. How’d you do, achieve all you’d planned for?  

Lets see, oh, I wanted to say something about the 2nd quarter real quick. Today we’ll be thinking about how hard a little change is and how accepting a little change can pay off for us and our families in a big way.  

This year, I know we’re only in week 14 right now, I’ve see or heard of 23 people quitting, no, that’s the wrong word. They all terminated themselves. I won’t waste our time and go through each one. But 19 of them were released for attendance, well, Looking at them it appears that consistently being tardy was the issue.  

Quick side story, I know this one large distribution facility that has a weekly attendance bonus program. Out of about 50 people, only 10 or 12 achieve it each week. Now get this though. Scheduled days off do not count against you & you have a 15min grace period at the beginning of the shift.  

Enough about that, I have a few opinions there.  

Ok, I have a bajillion questions to get to.  

A recurring question has been “Is a lead role or a supervisor position worth it”  Why would I want that responsibility”, “How can I become a front line supervisor”. I’ll say Absolutely to “Is a lead role or a supervisor position worth it” and then Why would I want that responsibility”, definitely to take care of your family by better earnings, remember we’ve learned over the years that more money comes with more responsibility, And as for how can I become a frontline supervisor, let’s look into it! 

Transitioning into a warehouse management role, such as a Supervisor at a distribution facility, can be both exciting and challenging. Lets look at a some tools, tips, and best practices to help you succeed in your new role: 

1. Learn the operations: We’re always talking about knowing every task that touches ours. Familiarize yourself with the warehouse layout, products, equipment, and processes. Understand the flow of goods from receiving to shipping, and learn about inventory management, order picking, and packing. We’re in this for the long haul and it’ll take time, we’ll need the experiences to understand those roles.  

1. Develop people skills: A warehouse supervisor needs strong interpersonal and communication skills. You will be working with a diverse team of employees, including warehouse workers, drivers, and office staff. Learn how to motivate, coach, and resolve conflicts effectively. 

1. Master time management: As a warehouse supervisor, you will need to prioritize tasks and manage your time efficiently. This includes setting realistic deadlines, delegating tasks, and monitoring progress. 

1. Embrace technology: Leverage warehouse management systems (WMS), barcoding systems, and other technologies to streamline operations, reduce errors, and improve efficiency. Stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and tools. 

1. Implement safety protocols: Ensure the safety of your team by promoting safe work practices, conducting regular safety audits, and providing necessary training. Familiarize yourself with OSHA guidelines and other relevant safety regulations. Wr’re all familiar with the standard 29CFR1910.178 right?  

1. Lets see, Develop problem-solving skills: Warehouses are dynamic environments, and challenges can arise unexpectedly. Learn how to analyze problems, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions. 

1. Focus on continuous improvement: Constantly review processes, identify bottlenecks, and make data-driven decisions to optimize efficiency and reduce costs. 

1. In some organizations or facilities we may need to maintain accurate inventory: Accurate inventory tracking is crucial to warehouse management. Implement systems to track inventory levels, conduct regular cycle counts, and address discrepancies promptly. 

1. Build a strong team: Hire and retain skilled, motivated employees. Foster a positive work environment, provide opportunities for growth, and recognize outstanding performance. Your going to communicate negative things like poor attendance, or errors to them. Its imperative you recognize positives also, a good pat on the back goes a long way.  

1. Invest in professional development: Stay ahead in your career by attending industry conferences, networking events, and workshops. Pursue relevant certifications in your industry.  

By focusing on these areas and consistently working to improve your skills, you’ll be well-prepared to succeed as a warehouse supervisor in a distribution facility. 

One of the hardest points for transition from the floor to the front line management team , or at least it was for me was Managing previous friendships and relationships when transitioning to a supervisory role can be challenging. It’s important to strike a balance between maintaining positive connections and establishing your authority as a leader. Here are some tips on how to handle this delicate situation: 

1. Set clear boundaries: It’s crucial to establish clear boundaries between your personal and professional relationships. Communicate with your friends and former peers about the new expectations and responsibilities that come with your role. Make sure they understand that work-related decisions will be based on professional criteria, not personal connections. 

1. Be transparent and fair: Ensure that your decision-making is transparent, objective, and fair to all team members, not just your friends. Avoid showing favoritism, as this can lead to resentment and undermine your authority. When making decisions that involve your friends, consult with other managers or HR to avoid potential conflicts of interest. 

1. Maintain professionalism: It’s important to maintain a professional demeanor in the workplace. Keep work-related conversations focused on tasks and projects, and avoid discussing personal matters during working hours. This will help reinforce the separation between your personal and professional relationships. 

1. Treat everyone equally: As a supervisor, it’s essential to treat all employees with respect and consistency. Make sure to provide equal opportunities for growth, development, and recognition to everyone on your team, regardless of your personal relationships. 

1. Be open to feedback: Encourage open communication and listen to feedback from your team, including your friends. This can help you identify areas where you might be unintentionally showing favoritism or bias and make necessary adjustments. 

1. Adjust your social interactions: This can be an important one, It may be necessary to modify your social interactions outside of work to maintain your professional authority. For example, you might need to limit discussions about work-related matters during social gatherings or avoid discussing sensitive information with friends who are also employees. 

1. Prepare for difficult conversations: As a supervisor, you may need to have difficult conversations with your friends, such as addressing performance issues or enforcing company policies. Approach these conversations with empathy and professionalism, focusing on the facts and the best interests of the organization. 

1. Seek support and guidance: Reach out to other managers, mentors, or HR professionals for advice on navigating the challenges of managing friends in the workplace. They may have valuable insights and suggestions based on their own experiences. 

By following these tips, you can effectively manage the transition from peer to boss while maintaining positive relationships with your friends in the workplace. Remember that it’s crucial to prioritize your role as a leader and make decisions that benefit the entire team and organization. 

All that sounds simple right! It’s not, but it is doable, and can be a great part of our career path. You’ve heard me say a hundrend times, and I honestly believe that it is just fine to be the best at a position you love. Sanitation, being a forklift operator, an unloader, a pallet runner, any warehouse position can be a career, and a good one.  

I hope I mentioned something today that sparked a thought or two. If you have any questions please send us a message to host@warehouseandoperationsasacareer.com, maybe even check out our FB or Twitter  @whseandops. 

Until next time, grow, be productive, prosperous, and above all stay safe.