Go to Guy

[BatesTech]

So looking for some simple advice just became field supervisor and know have to not only tackle higher profile service calls I have other techs calling for technical advice. Deal all in commercial HVAC. There is probably other techs stronger in some areas boss must feel I am the most well rounded. I need a attitude adjustment on how to carry myself to keep my co workers respect with out arragance. Can anybody see where I am comming from.

[timebuilder]

Yes, I do.

Try this.

http://usacac.army.mil/CAC2/CAL/start_here.html

Of course, without uniforms and rank, the civilian world is a little vague on some points. BUT, most of the principles are the same.

[Pascone10]

So looking for some simple advice just became field supervisor and know have to not only tackle higher profile service calls I have other techs calling for technical advice. Deal all in commercial HVAC. There is probably other techs stronger in some areas boss must feel I am the most well rounded. I need a attitude adjustment on how to carry myself to keep my co workers respect with out arragance. Can anybody see where I am comming from.

Why not just tell him you dont want the responsibility?

[zw17]

So looking for some simple advice just became field supervisor and know have to not only tackle higher profile service calls I have other techs calling for technical advice. Deal all in commercial HVAC. There is probably other techs stronger in some areas boss must feel I am the most well rounded. I need a attitude adjustment on how to carry myself to keep my co workers respect with out arragance. Can anybody see where I am comming from.


So, I am looking for some simple advice.

I just became field supervisor and now have to not only tackle higher profile service calls, but also have other techs calling for technical advice.

I deal all in commercial HVAC. There is probably other techs stronger in some areas but the boss must feel I am the most rounded. I need a attitude adjustment on how to carry myself to keep my co workers respect with out arrogance.

Can anybody see where I am coming from?

First, learn to spell, use punctuation, and make paragraphs.

Writing a good report or being able to relay instructions through a written note will go a long way in not making you look like an idiot, and it's hard to take someone serious if they can't do the above.

Sorry if this is harsh but you wanted the attitude adjustment.

[MUNC]

Cell phones have made guys I work with quite lazy. Instead of using the brain, it's easier to use the phone. Sucks sometimes being the go to guy

[timebuilder]

I don't know anything about you, but I do agree that the foremost aspect of leadership is the ability to communicate clearly.

If you have an objective or mission, the subordinates MUST understand that mission in order to have the vaguest chance of carrying it out.

If there is a set of values and parameters to be used WHILE carrying out that mission, it also must be communicated AND understood, and the repercussions of NOT doing so must also be clear.

You may have the same communicative skills as your boss and coworkers, and while that may be a "comfort zone" for your company, it that is true, there is room for improvement.

I would definitely work on improving your communication style and content.

[jpsmith1cm]

So looking for some simple advice just became field supervisor and know have to not only tackle higher profile service calls I have other techs calling for technical advice. Deal all in commercial HVAC. There is probably other techs stronger in some areas boss must feel I am the most well rounded. I need a attitude adjustment on how to carry myself to keep my co workers respect with out arragance. Can anybody see where I am comming from.

I just made this adjustment about 2 years ago when I was handed a field supervisor position.


First, learn to spell, use punctuation, and make paragraphs.

Writing a good report or being able to relay instructions through a written note will go a long way in not making you look like an idiot, and it's hard to take someone serious if they can't do the above.

Sorry if this is harsh but you wanted the attitude adjustment.

I could not agree more. Clear and concise communication is key to being a supervisor.



Cell phones have made guys I work with quite lazy. Instead of using the brain, it's easier to use the phone. Sucks sometimes being the go to guy

I'd fire these guys if it were possible. If you can't take the time to try to solve your own problems before calling for help, then you aren't the kind of guy I need.


Now, instead of quoting and commenting on what others have said, I'll add a bit of my own advice.

Slow down. We all get busy and we all get rushed. What makes a good tech great is the ability to know when to slow down a little and take that little extra time to watch a system that isn't acting quite right.

Re-learn the basics. A good understanding of the basics of refrigeration (SH/SC, airflows, etc) will solve 99.9% of the problems that you will encounter.

[flange]

when the mind doesnt work, the feet must. learn to listen to the concerns of the man, and come up with workable solution, whether it is technical or personal.

Being a boss means a lot. It means that you need to know the skillset of each of your men, and hopefully use them as tools to your advantage. Dont send a heatpump guy on a chiller call, unless its the only option. Try to keep continuity on projects, customers like that. Dont lie to them, you will get found out. Everyone in this biz talks, do things shady, lie, cheat, whatever, they will know. Carry yourself in a manner that says I am the boss without being a jerk. You will need to earn their respect, it isnt automatically given, so if it means reading a lot, or jumping in to help at time of need, do that and more. This is a team effort, and without you understanding that, you lose the game.

From your perspective, policies need to be clear, communication clear, and dont make up stupid little things that will only piss off the men. You will lose in the end. ALWAYS remember, these guys were selected to work at your company for their skillset. They are grown men, and can do the work, most probably better than you IF THEY WANT TO. Make them want to. Keep aware of what they are doing, but dont nitpick. For the most part, a well prepared guy will do his job well and make the firm money. A guy who is in a bad mood usually will not. When jobs lose money, its ok to talk about it with them, and see if they can help you understand how to turn that ide, but dont make it THEIR FAULT. when jobs lose, it is mostly the cause of the estimator or foreman. In general the working man just wants to do his thing and go home.

Here is an example of how to not manage men: many years ago, we were moving a manufacturing plant. This required probably eight lines running from the new mechanical space out around the plant, hot/chilled water, compressed air, vacuum, potable water. At any rate, with two men, a high reach and proper materials, wecould have blown out the job. The project manager thought that we only needed x amount of material per day, so he was bringing it daily. one of the things that went up my ass was the hangar materials. He would bring 100 nuts a day, instead of bringing a keg and just letting us go. one of us would make pipe hangars, the other would go in the high reach and install. we usually ran out of material by coffee, but you had to "look busy" all day, it sucked. dont be that guy. give your guys something to do and let them do it.

[Control Man]

Also remember that you are no longer " ONE OF THE GUY'S " that means a bit of distance between you and any buddies working for you.

Takes a bit to get use to not being part of the old gang , but works a lot better in the long run.

[trouble time]

Walk and speak softly..
Listen with both ears and understand, if you do not, ask to understand.
An "at a boy" goes along way. People do like to know that there efforts are being appreciated.
Do not try to be anyones Boss, Just be a co-worker. When you need to be firm be firm, but with an explanation.:bump:

[joemach]

The most productive that I have been as a field supervisor and the best supervision that I have had has been is when I was treated as part of the team. When you act as the "BOSS" you can end up building some resentment. Sometimes it is because one of the other guys thought they were better qualified for the position. Also being connected with management has its own negative connotation.

So act like part of the team and coach them through any difficulties they may be having technical or otherwise. Be helpful and supportive. You are all there to achieve the same results. You want to get the system up and running as efficiently as possible and get to the next call.

I also feel that being "in charge" requires taking the responsibility for their training and education, this would add up to them being a better tech and less dependent on you and less demand of you time and attention.

When a call does go bad don't ream them out about it, spend a little time to go over it to find out what happened and how to avoid it from happening again. By the same token in this business - a little praise goes a long way. Validate a guy for a job well done or a good diagnosis. Let him know that you appreciate him taking that late call on Friday evening after a long week.

Remember, you are the team leader and you need to build respect and team spirit among your troops.

Hope this helps.

[Skip1]

Try not to get into the habit of "micro-managing" your techs. Give them advice and direction. Send the right man to do the right job. Build up their confidence and motivate them. If you do it right they will always know who the boss is...and you won't have to resort to the good old butt chewing (that will come naturally when the situation arrives).

[BatesTech]

I needed to here all of that and couldnt be more thankful. Not that I didnt know I just needed it to be brought up to the surface and put into perspective. Love this site.

[mrhvacmechanic]

First, make sure your boss knows your not a genious.

Second, make sure your boss knows the knowledge of the mechanics underyou! You will be the first person they look to blame if a job doesn't work. They won't blame the engineer, the project manager,the service manager! It rolls down hill as they say. Most of the above may not be capable of their jobs and you will be running around.

Third, make sure you get a substancial increase to put up with all the crap that's handed to you! Including OT. Screw that fixed sallary crap that most management has.

Fourth, If he doesn't understand the top three, turn it down.

From past experience.:limb: