-          Don't attempt to be buddies with your employees. The distinction between supervisor and friend needs to be clear-cut and meaningful.

-          Never hesitate to roll up your sleeves to help, if the situation warrants your participation.

-          Ivory tower managers usually are doomed to fail. Make sure not to isolate yourself from those that you directly supervise.

-          No one can know everything, but as a supervisor you need to learn as much as is humanly possible about your department's area of responsibility. Your employees will respect the fact that you know what their job really entails.

-          The ability to treat all of your subordinates fairly will be a critical factor in your success as a supervisor; never play favorites. Always give credit to an employee who is due recognition; never take credit for someone else's initiative.

-          Always take advantage of any opportunity to improve yourself as a supervisor. Seminars, adult education classes, professional certifications, online learning and a myriad of other sources exist just for this purpose.

-          To become adept at conflict resolution is an area the new supervisor must master to be successful. Never loose sight of the fact that there are always two sides to every story. Never make a decision based on just part of the story and you will earn the respect of your employees, even if the resulting decision isn't in their favor.

-          The ability to set meaningful goals will help steer your employees towards the objective you are trying to reach. Realistic goals, with the appropriate tools to reach them, will make everyone feel a part of the department's success.