I've been with this start up company for 2 years now, the previous company got in trouble for illegal immigrants and tax evasion so that's when my company stepped in and bought the place.. We're finally getting product out the door and our investors want more. They decided to add a second shift to our small crew (18 people in the whole warehouse that has the capacity of 60 workers). I've been given a promotion to floor supervisor and am in charge of this second shift. Today's gonna be my first day and I'm super nervous. I know what I'm doing as far as knowing what my guys need to do...but I'm 24 working with men a lot older...hopefully there's not a lot of resistance and everyone respects me. I didn't get here for laughs, it's obvious I know what I'm doing. I just know people have a hard time with authority half their age...I guess good things don't come easy. Wish me luck guys!!

Good luck, Mike.

Tough position to be in, I know, I was in a similar
IT management position back in the 90s with men
over twice my age as my subordinates. Humility
and respect on your part will go a long way toward
making things smooth.

But don't be intimidated by their age, either. Respect
it, and stand firm in your position as supervisor, but
don't lord it over them. You probably don't know as
much as them, and don't be afraid to lean on/learn from
their expertise.

Again, a tough spot to be in, but one that will make
you wiser and teach you a lot about yourself. Just 
be ready to learn  

Since you brought this up its obvious you understand the position your in. With that knowledge you are in a good place. You realise that these men are possibly watching to see how you handle your authority. 

Just be smart earn their respect and most will do their job without giving you grief. There will be that one or two that will want to test you eventually make sure you handle it professionally and move on. 

I was 23 a long time ago and was in a similar situation at a plant. Man the stories I could tell. Haha 

Anyway you will live. Good luck 

 I got this! Raise kicks in today too! 

1 minute ago, MikeWright said:

 I got this! Raise kicks in today too! 

You just made the bait monkey very excited...he will be waiting....

I have bait, I need boat. Seeing how I drive a Honda Civic a Jon and bass boat are out of the pocture...yak maybe? We'll see.

And babygirl turns 1 in December, God couldn't of blessed me at a better time man.

6 minutes ago, MikeWright said:

I have bait, I need boat. Seeing how I drive a Honda Civic a Jon and bass boat are out of the pocture...yak maybe? We'll see.

And babygirl turns 1 in December, God couldn't of blessed me at a better time man.

Congratulations man - good stuff

Just dont act like Parker Schnabel from Gold Rush and you should be ok lol

Well guys, the first day was great, second day even better! My team is really strong and they have a lot of respect for me, one guy said, "hell if your 24 and my boss maybe we could all learn something from you". Made my day and made me feel a lot more comfortable in my situation. Tomorrow's another day and I can't wait to get in there and start plugging away!!

I was a manager for 9 years.Some things I learned that may help :

1. If you have a problem with a worker,handle it with him alone.Take him into an office .

2.Be slow to judgement .Hear the whole matter before you jump to conclusions.

3.Handle small things yourself.With serious concerns,ask your boss.But don't run to them with every little problem.Thats what they hired you for.

4.Ask workers to do something as much as possible.Instead of telling them.(You can tell them later if they don't do what you ask.)

5.If you need to apologize,do it.Its not a sign of weakness,actually it's a strength.

6.Serve them,and they'll serve you.

7.Be very accessible to them.You will need to stop what you're doing to help them OFTEN.

8.Swallow your pride.Your men will get rewarded for doing a good job.You will get reprimanded if they do a bad job.Thats middle management!