Q:   Our supervisor is going out on an eight-week medical leave and, even though I don’t have the most seniority, I’ve been asked to assume his responsibilities during the absence.

I see this as a great opportunity since I hope to be a supervisor someday.  However I do have some questions:  1.  Should I expect a temporary bump in pay while I’m trying to do my job and his?   2.  Any advice on how to treat and interact with colleagues who are usually my peers?

A:  Congratulations on being asked; it means you’re perceived by management as someone responsible and capable of supervising.  It also could mean they want to develop your management skills.

Regarding pay, it is customary -though not mandatory- to give an employee who assumes increased responsibility some sort of additional compensation such as a temporary increase in salary, or a weekly bonus.

Your second question is more delicate. Here are a few tips:

Clearly establish your new role by having a brief meeting with the group of peers who are now your temporary subordinates, and set the tone for the coming weeks.  Discuss each others expectations and set ground rules:

• What routines remain unchanged, what needs to be adjusted?
• Will you stay at your desk or move to the supervisor’s area?
• Which problems, decisions, reports, information should come to you?

Meet again a week later to determine if tweaks are needed.

Expect some behavior changes.  Some employees may start coming back from lunch late, going home early, disappearing or slacking.  You’re being tested, don’t ignore it, get help if needed.  On the other hand, I’ve also seen the opposite happen, where employees become more cooperative and helpful; they welcome the autonomy and rise to the occasion.

Don’t let power go to your head.  Remain fair, level-headed and pragmatic.  Remember, you’ll be their peer again soon.

Lastly, notice how you feel day-to-day.  Are you exited by the new challenges? Do you find the experience empowering?  Or does making decisions and dealing with conflict stress and drain you so you’re exhausted by midday?

Either way, you’ll learn something about yourself.  Management is not for everybody. And that’s okay.

© Copyright Eva Del Rio