Hey Junkies,

I need some advice from anyone in a supervisory postition. I work in a prison and recently promoted to Sergeant, I went from my "comfort zone" on midnights to evenings which has been a BIG change. As some of you may know the transitions from just being that 1 employee to a supervisor is a change in itself. I am pretty much over a dorm of Inmates and the Officer(s) that work with me. Well to make a long story short, a situation came up where a officer messed up, I told him how and what he should do next time and automatically I'm the bad one!!!! My question is can anyone tell me how to "overlook" or ignore people "in their watercooler talk" and be able to be a good supervisor? I know I can't please everyone, but their so quick to jump to conclusions. I have a not so good temper and I hope yall can help me keep my rank and make it through probation. Please Junkies.

You're in an especially tough situation. I know from listening to my husband (who is a CO here in NV) that the job you have itself is not easy. Then you add in people who just want to skate by and not follow the rules that are there to protect both the COs and the inmates, and it makes for some sticky situations.

Its possible he won't ever take direction from you, and if that's the case, you may need to bring in someone higher up in the chain of command. Some people are too lazy to advance themselves, but resentful when others take the initiative and get promoted (I'm guessing you test/interview for promotions?). In the meantime, as hard as it is, the best thing to do (in my personal opinion - and I have a bad temper myself), is just keep doing what you've been doing, without blowing up. Vent at home, or here to us.

Thanks a bunch, but I dont think I can type fast enough to be able to vent to everyone lol. I'd be here forever. Your so right on some being resentful on others advancing. Jealousy is awful. Yes, we do interview. Thanks for listening or reading. lol

Just stick to your guns, as long is you know in your heart that you are doing and saying the right things you'll be fine. At the end of the day you only have to live with yourself and your decisions, if your are comfortable with them that all that matters. Some people are jerks, don't take it personal.

Wow Shorney! I am pretty much in the same predicament!!! I work at a State Hospital which is Drug Rehab for Teenagers in Trouble with the law due to drug related issues! I too just became Supervisor. I learned quickly that you definately can't please everybody. Just do what you think is right, and if there is talk around the water cooler-they will get over it. You have to learn where to draw the line between being friends with everybody or being their boss. Just do your job the best you know how. You'll be alright!

Someone had some very good advice, in that, you cannot take it personally. It's a tough spot to be in though and I know it's hard. But, if you are diplomatic and professional, then anything they say about you at the watercooler or anywhere else, is simply untrue. It takes thick skin and a lot of patience to "manage" people. You can only do so much-and as long as that is what is right, rest easy! And congrats! Promotions are always good stuff! Someone thinks highly of you! Clearly you earned it!

UNDERSTAND YOUR SITUATION. I WAS A CO FOR 5 YEARS AND IT CAN BE A STICKY SITUATION. YOU JUST NEED TO DO YOUR JOB AND NOT WORRY ABOUT ANYONE ELSE. BEING A SARGEANT COMES WITH MAKING DECISIONS THAT YOU HAVE TO ENFORCE. CANT PLEASE EVERYONE, GIRL. I'M SURE YOU ARE A GOOD SGT AND A FAIR ONE. AS FOR THE TEMPER, FIND A DIFFERENT WAY TO HANDLE THAT. STAY PROFESSIONAL AND FAIR AND YOU WILL DO FINE.
TRINI

Not that this directly relates....I have supervised people in the past in the hotel business and although you cannot please everyone, you do have to be careful to watch that fine line and still be courteous and professional. I was once flabbergasted that the people I was surpervising were totally misinterpreting what and how I was saying things! Be true to yourself and universal principles of respect, fairness and truth and I do not think anyone can misinterpret that!!! Good luck and keep us posted.

Thanks a bunch everyone!!!! Yall have given me some very good advice. Some of it I have known the answers to I am just still taking this all in. Being young doesn't help me much (though I am mature for a 26 year old) cause I have a lot more learning to do with these people. Thanks again for all your comments. I knew it was good to vent here.

Thanks a bunch everyone!!!! Yall have given me some very good advice. Some of it I have known the answers to I am just still taking this all in. Being young doesn't help me much (though I am mature for a 26 year old) cause I have a lot more learning to do with these people. Thanks again for all your comments. I knew it was good to vent here.