in a new place

I've finally moved into my new store and tonight the manager told everyone that he would be leaving and I would be taking over. I saw a few faces fall, but i feel confident in the fact that those who are left (after the "purging") can become my people. will work for me. will do the things that I ask them to.

Now i need to deal with my own issues of leadership. like the conflict between wanting everyone to like me, but needing them to follow certain standards. and holding them accountable to those standards. I think we can get to the point that we have mutual respect which leads me to handle situation with compassion but with a stern hand that says "i know you can do better, and i know you will." but i think we won't get to that point until we get that mutual respect.

the road to respect:
1. i work with everyone. there are only 6 employees. i work with all of them every week.
2. i work every shift (except for sunday!) i close and i open. i work on the register and on the bar. i know how it feels to work in every position every day.
3. i'm honest about my expectations. they are clearly posted and communicated. i'm also honest about my expectations for myself. when i don't do something properly, i say so, and i admit to my own problems.
4. i understand my employees' motivations. i know not everyone is working at a coffee shop in order to be a manager, and that's cool. if they're working for money, i help them make more. if they're looking for some other kind of fullfillment, i help them find it.

well this is as far as i've gotten as of today. we have a lot of events going on that we will be working down town and a lot of opportunities for growth. i hope everyone that works for me can feel like they have a stake in the success of our store, even if they are only there for a while.

i will be a revolutionary leader. things will be better when i leave the store, and the changes i make for the better will stay after i'm gone.

i will be a servant leader. i will help those who work for me enjoy their time and get the most out of their job.

mostly i'll be the best i can be.