Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: First Day As Assistant Manager, It's Today!!! Wish Me Luck

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Posted by Richard Greco (Member # 2032) on 12-01-2004, 10:26 PM:

Well, my first day as Assistant Manager of a Drive-In/Swap Shop will be next Tuesday. Any help would be appreciated for advice on things to do or say to the staff. I don't want to be their friend, but I want to be a fair manager too. I have never managed before, but I know with help I can get the hang of things.

Hey, everyone had a first time!

So, any help or advice on being a manager(ex. handling employees,customer complaints, employee behavior, etc.) will really help.

I am projectionist too, so I have extra responsibility doing that. My manager/boss is a very experienced projectionist and is familiar with FT. However, my main duty will be taking much of his current burden off of him so he can handle other matters.

I will be in charge of the concession and box office by myself on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Thursdays - Saturdays, I will be working together with my manager/boss.

Next Tuesday is my first day, I will be working with him and he will be showing me the ropes on Tues and Wednesday and through the weekend next week. I will start by myself that following weekend.

Thanks

Richard

Posted by Jeremy Fuentes (Member # 2135) on 12-01-2004, 10:40 PM:

Well first of all congratulations Richard! [thumbsup]

I'm sure you'll be able to handle it fine. One piece of advice I can give you, and I know that most of F-T is going to disagree with me, is to be the employees friend. I'm not saying to let them get away with everything and be the manager that everyone knows they can run over. I'm saying that I think you should do what I do. Make them feel comfortable working with you and treat them as equals and as part of the theater team as a whole. You are just another part of the team, but youre one of the captains of the team. You dont have to put yourself above people, and have a holier than thou attitude, just to be respected. Those kind of people get the least respect from me. You can gain the respect of the employees by letting your experience take over in tough situations, like when its really busy, or a customer complaint, or a booth problem. Its pretty obvious that you have more experience than the employees, otherwise they would have been given the job. The trick is to use that experience and establish yourself as a leader. Still part of the team, but a leader. Its OK to be their friend!!! I dont care what anyone says about that, you shouldnt either.

Posted by Richard Greco (Member # 2032) on 12-01-2004, 10:42 PM:

The GM that hired me warned me not to be their friend too [Eek!]

I am naturally a friendly person, but being nice does help sometimes.

Posted by Dominic Espinosa (Member # 2122) on 12-01-2004, 10:54 PM:

You'll have a tough time at first most likely.
A lot of the time when a new manager comes on board, especially when it's someone the staff has never heard of you'll have to put up with a lot of back talk, uncertainty, insubordination, and in some cases they'll try and make you look like a bumbling idiot.
The key to all this, as mentioned above, is to allow your experience to proove yourself.
Try not to get too flustered with it because it can be very annoying but rather, be pleasant, and roll with the punches. If a subordinate gives you crap you have to remain pleasent, firm, and unwaivering. Never let them get away with something you know they shouldn't because once you do you'll be stepped on forever.
You'll always get good results from good employees when you're firm without being rude and having an attitude about it.
The bad ones who don't straighten up tend to work themselves out.

Your boss is right though, don't be their friend. Their friend is someone they can get away with things with. But a good manager is someone they respect and enjoy working with. All the rules of being a good coworker still apply, but you've got to ballance it by setting a good example.
So, no off-color Hillary Duff comments [Wink]

Posted by David Yauch (Member # 2754) on 12-01-2004, 11:21 PM:

There's a limit to the whole friend thing, as others have stated. Don't go hanging around with them outside of work, you gave up that privelage by becoming their boss. Do not let them break rules, even if no one else is going to find out. Do, however, be a fair manager. If your GM doesn't want you to become friends with them, then that's what you need to listen to, because he is YOUR boss, he hired you, and thats how he wants his business run.

Posted by Chase Hanson (Member # 2779) on 12-02-2004, 03:20 AM:

[beer]

Agree with Jeremy 99.99%

You can be friendly with someone, without being their friend. Just as you can be someones superior without acting superior.

If its a theater youve been working at: Get ready to make lotsa enemies fast, your peers are not going to adjust well to being your subordinates. They will re-warm up to you once they realise that you are the same person you always were, just working in a different capacity.

If its a theater you havent worked at: You are new, new is a change, change is bad...unless its back to the way it was before.
-Generously apply that friendly attitude to everyone, if their first impression of you is a warm greeting and a smile they are going to know the answer to their first question about you "Is this guy cool or a dick?"
-You learn before you teach. You are most likely stepping into a pretty well oiled machine, so take a few minutes on your first couple shifts to observe the pre-established teamwork see who does what, when and where. This is a great time to take mental notes on who naturally gravitates towards what tasks.
-Roll up your sleeves. History has demonstrated that leaders who are willing to share the burden are more respected than those who dont.

Posted by Bill Gabel (Member # 1105) on 12-02-2004, 10:21 AM:

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Richard [thumbsup]

Good luck on your new job.

When I was in theatre management years ago and was assigned a new theatre to work. I would go to the theatre a few days or a week before as a patron. Just to see what kind of operation I was being assigned too. That's if I've never been to that theatre. I would just go in as a patron, buy my ticket and go to the snackbar and buy a coke & a popcorn and enjoy the show. Then you can see how their staff treats their patrons and what kind of show they put on the screen.

Posted by Stephen Furley (Member # 1277) on 12-02-2004, 11:33 AM:

Congratulations Richard.

Posted by Chris Brown (Member # 2800) on 12-02-2004, 11:36 AM:

Hey Richard. I understand your concerns...I was in a similar situation when I first got promoted a few years back. It was at the same theatre I'd been working at for over a year and I was just 18 at the time, so at first it was difficult dealing with the staff. The key I think is to find that fine line between them respecting you and your authority, and not letting them get away with murder. I've found that the best way to do this is some kind of disciplinary measure (I dont know about your theatre, but we have a 4 step write up process). Just enough to make them know that you deserve the respect, but at the same time, they dont think you're a total asshole either. I will admit, it will be difficult at first. But after a few months, you'll settle into it. Good luck!

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 12-02-2004, 01:41 PM:

No matter what you do, the first 3-6 months will be awkward for you. One of the best tips I can give you is to ask people to do things, not order them to do things. For example:

Hey Peter, would you please sweep up that popcorn spill?

...as opposed to...

Peter, go sweep up that popcorn spill.

It really does make a ton of difference in how your employees will treat you. If you respect them, they will respect you.

Now if you want to add a little Scott Neff to your management style, you can always say...

Hmmmmm, say Peter, do you think you could make that floor, ummmm, not dirty please? [Big Grin]

Also remember, THEY are the ones on the front lines. Always support them.

Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 12-02-2004, 07:17 PM:

So are you dealing with just the drive-in aspect of the business or are you going to be handling the swap meet as well? If you're dealing with the swap as well, THAT will blow your mind.

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 12-02-2004, 08:23 PM:

Drive-ins are fun. And yours should be running a good intermission clock. Especially if they've been without one for 20 years or more.
[Wink]

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 12-02-2004, 08:46 PM:

I'd love to work at a drive-in someday, even if it's just for one night. Does your DI run year-round in Florida?

I've seen Tim's clock and it's very good--and the new prints look gorgeous. Much better than the splicy old ones that most drive-ins use.

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 12-02-2004, 09:09 PM:

Congrats Richard!

Like the others, I'd like to work at a drive-in too. BUT! NOT for the resaons they cited... I just want to catch teenagers in the cars having sex and take photos!

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 12-02-2004, 09:10 PM:

Another thing that bugs me about some managers/supervisors is the power trip that they don't realize that they're on. You can recognize these managers instantly when they say things like "In 5 minutes I'll get you a break" or "I'm going to move you over to concessions" or "I need you in concessions", etc. As you can see by statements like that, it's all about the manager/supervisor who's doing the talkin'. It gives a subliminal message that he (thinks) he controls everything that can be controlled. Don't do that. Instead, try to say things like "In 5 minutes you'll be able to take a break" or "Could you please move over to concessions?". That way it's not all about you, it involves them and helps make them feel like maybe, just maybe they actually might exist.

Also just in case you didn't already figure it out, thank your employees even when they do something you ask, such as "Hey Shaniquiarolandwetta, would you please empty the trash?" to which she replies "Sure" or "OK" and then begins to go and then you simply respond "Thanks". Yes, it's their job to do it, but thanking them makes them feel like a wee bit less of a drone.

Don't go out of the way to make your authority known unless you have to!

Posted by Richard Greco (Member # 2032) on 12-02-2004, 10:33 PM:

Luckily, I'm not running the swap shop, just assistant manager at the drive in. Unfortunately we arent running an intermission clock right now as the prior projectionist before myself and my boss destroyed them. We are runnning new prints and I've seen the presentation here, it is very good.

And Joe, could you tell me the phonetic pronunciation of the name you used in your example? [Big Grin]

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 12-02-2004, 11:55 PM:

quote: Richard Greco
Unfortunately we arent running an intermission clock right now as the prior projectionist before myself and my boss destroyed them.

Yep, that's the case everywhere. That's why our nice, new prints are on Estar stock... your boss will have a hard time destroying one of these in 10 years.

They're in Dolby SR, too. They even passed the Scott Norwood test; what better review can anyone get? (Btw, thanks for the good words! [Wink]

)

Posted by Justin West (Member # 920) on 12-03-2004, 09:50 AM:

Yes, congrats, Richard! Would you be, by any chance, working at the Lakeland drive-in? I've been there, nice place...of course, any drive-in open in December in the deep south is a nice place to be! [Big Grin]

Best thing I can advise, has already been said, and that is LISTEN to your workers...and back them up when they are right...a good way to gain and hold their respect.

Posted by Thomas Procyk (Member # 1170) on 12-04-2004, 12:31 PM:

The folks that own the http://www.silvermoondrivein.com bought the former Trail Drive-In (now Lake Worth Drive-In) in Lake Worth, FL. It's a nice operation, but at the same time, they do a lot of stupid things, too.

One of the most irritating things is interrupting the movie with the announcement that, "The snack bar will be closing...." While watching Return of the King, in a moment of extensive dialog, the announcement came on. "Ladies and gentlemen, the snack bar will be closing in five minutes, I repeat, the snack bar will be closing in five minutes. If you wish to make any food purchases please do so at this time...." OMG!!! People were literally BLARING their horns trying to get the guy to shut the hell up.

Another thing they did to the Lake Worth DI was that they cut down all the trees behind the screen, so now all the light from the street shines into the field. Bad decision.

Other than that, it's a great place! [Smile]

=TMP=

Posted by Rich Granata (Member # 2285) on 12-04-2004, 01:00 PM:

Im not sure if your still looking for tips, but one thing that I can add is this. Since you are going into a "well-oiled machine" make sure you take your first few days of supervising for observation.

(from experience)
AVOID saying things like: "In my last theatre, we did ...this or that." "Why don't you do this? We always had to do that at my last theatre." "We did things differently at my last theatre."....Unfortunately, no one cares about your last theatre. As friendly and conversational those remarks may be, employees don't want strangers giving them tips on how to do things better.
I got a lot of scowls from things like that when I first transferred

Just watch them do things for a while and pitch in when you can. Only after theres a certain amount of mutual respect, ideas can flow smoothly

Just my $0.02

Posted by Robert E. Allen (Member # 1351) on 12-04-2004, 04:45 PM:

Great advise from Brad. Never manage by intimidation or threat ("Do that or I'll write you up"). Be a leader and guide and avoid the "power trip" that has been mentioned. The old saying (older than I am, if you can believe that) "you get more flies with honey than vinegar" is absolutely true.

Congratulations and good luck.

Bob

Posted by Richard Greco (Member # 2032) on 12-05-2004, 08:52 AM:

I appreciate all the advice guys. I especially agree with the "This is how I did it before" line. That I'll make sure not to do. I think it is just going to take a while to get used to, but I think I'll do just fine.

Posted by Justin West (Member # 920) on 12-05-2004, 11:06 AM:

Hey, Richard! Does your new theatre happen to sell pizzas? If so, do you make deliveries to the parked cars? [Big Grin]

Posted by Richard Greco (Member # 2032) on 12-05-2004, 12:11 PM:

Justin, ironically we do sell Pizzas. No, We don't deliver them, but for 5.00 they taste like cardboard!!

To answer your previous question, I work at the Fun-Lan Drive In in Tampa.

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 12-05-2004, 12:32 PM:

quote: Justin West
do you make deliveries to the parked cars?

HAAAAAhahahahaa! [Big Grin]

Posted by Justin West (Member # 920) on 12-05-2004, 09:37 PM:

Richard: I've been to the Fun-lan before and toured the projection booths amd the snack bar. It is a nice place and located in a city/commercial area. Keep reaching for the stars, dude! [thumbsup]

Posted by Richard Greco (Member # 2032) on 12-07-2004, 08:32 AM:

Well, Today is the day. I'm psyched man. This is a big deal for me. I appreciate all the advice and I'll keep checking through the day before I leave.

Thanks,

Richard

Posted by Bill Gabel (Member # 1105) on 12-07-2004, 08:42 AM:

Don't all Drive-In pizzas taste like cardboard? Well the one that Pacific Theatres sold at their Drive-Ins did.

Posted by William T. Parr (Member # 677) on 12-07-2004, 08:44 AM:

Best of Luck Richard.

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 12-08-2004, 07:40 AM:

Congratulations and good luck! [thumbsup]

So how did your first night at the drive-in go?

Posted by Richard Greco (Member # 2032) on 12-08-2004, 09:34 AM:

It went very well, I mainly observed how things were run and I ran the projectors. I even got to change the marquee for Blade 3.

I think that I'll do very well here.

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 12-08-2004, 01:53 PM:

More importantly, are there any hot babes working there you can hook up with? (After they resign, of course!)

Posted by Richard Greco (Member # 2032) on 12-09-2004, 12:48 AM:

I finally have keys now!! Now I can get to the booth w/o my boos being there.

Posted by Dominic Espinosa (Member # 2122) on 12-10-2004, 12:23 PM:

Isn't it just the most fun to come into your new theater and open up the for the first few days? Before it becomes routine it's a lot of fun to come in and do your thing.
Granted it's still fun, but my favorite thing to do when taking over a booth is whip it into shape. After it's up and running it's just the same old thing, but that first couple weeks getting it tip top is the best!

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 12-12-2004, 12:27 PM:

quote: Bill Gabel
Don't all Drive-In pizzas taste like cardboard?

Not when I worked at the South Park D/I in Louisville a few years ago. They were fresh-made. They weren't LaRosas, but they were pretty darned good for the money.

Posted by Justin West (Member # 920) on 12-12-2004, 05:17 PM:

quote: Bill Gabel
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't all Drive-In pizzas taste like cardboard?
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Not when I worked at the South Park D/I in Louisville a few years ago. They were fresh-made. They weren't LaRosas, but they were pretty darned good for the money.

~Yeah, Tim...but what happened to that drive-in??? It CLOSED!!! So much for the pizza, huh?! [evil]