While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to becoming a shift leader, there are some helpful hints for those interested in the position. The first is to inform management of your interest in such a position, request a current evaluation, and seek advice on training or mentorship that can help you achieve your goal. Following that, a period of learning about how to be an effective manager and gaining knowledge about the jobs of those who will be supervised should be scheduled. Shift leaders are also valued for their emotional maturity, ability to work well with a diverse group of people, and scheduling flexibility.
Requesting a meeting with management is the professional approach to becoming a shift leader. Explain your career objective and why you want to pursue it. The primary motivation should not be higher pay, but rather career advancement goals such as wanting more responsibility, enjoying training, or seeking work that is more interactive with coworkers. A person might also consider becoming a shift leader as a stepping stone to higher management positions.
During a meeting with the manager, you can obtain a number of advantages. These include the chance to hear a candid assessment of your current work in order to determine what needs to be improved. Also, inquire with managers or supervisors about opportunities to put new skills into practice, such as training new employees or creating a schedule. Some bosses will offer to mentor employees, making it easier for them to get the training they need. Before you leave this meeting, schedule a follow-up meeting two to three months later to discuss progress, and try to check in with managers informally every six months after that, as well as during performance reviews.
On-the-job training can help some people gain all of the skills they need to become shift leaders. Others should take advantage of local business training opportunities, such as those provided community colleges, employment agencies, and business associations. It’s especially beneficial to learn supervisory skills and how to build a team. Another option is to volunteer and work in a supervisory position. This can be a valuable addition to an employee’s skill set, potentially preparing him or her to lead a shift.
Understanding the work that will be supervised is just as important as learning about management. Work tasks in some companies are not varied, and employees may spend years performing the same tasks. Alternatively, the employees reporting to the shift leader may have a wide range of responsibilities. When a person becomes a shift leader, getting to know and appreciate the work that goes into each job comes in handy. Understanding the various jobs also establishes the shift leader’s credibility and earns employees’ respect.
One of the additional skills employees can bring to a shift supervisory position is emotional maturity. If a person has a bad temper or has trouble interacting with others, it’s a good idea to learn how to improve these skills before applying for a management position, using methods such as group or individual counseling or anger management classes. To become a shift leader who can communicate effectively with others, a certain amount of tolerance for different customs and opinions is usually required. Shift leaders should keep in mind that managing a flexible schedule is an important part of the job; this means that employees may be required to work extra shifts to cover for absent employees on a regular basis.