to ask you how to be a good boss.

[Berryglitter]

I have two women starting work with me tomorrow (cleaning), they are both older than me but I have more experience. It's not the hardest job but our clients own very expensive, beautiful homes and expect the best.

I'm a wimp, I feel that because I'm so much younger they won't listen. I'm being paid alot more to do this. Is there any tips/advice etc.

Make an assertive first impression, seem like you know what you're doing and be smiley and friendly alongside giving clear directions, they are more likely to respect you if they like you from the start

OK, so if I picked them up saying "hi I'm berry, lovely to meet you both, we have a very long day. Which would you prefer bathrooms/kitchens/hoovering etc? I will have to check your work, not because I don't trust you but just to make sure the client is happy. We'll have a coffee break at 10.30 and go from there«

Honestly any advice is welcome. We have 4 huge jobs tomorrow and they need to be perfect.

Run through the expectations of the job.

If someone is cleaning the bathroom, run through the list, it may be more than toilet, shower, sinks, floor. Do they need to clean the switches, skirting boards, tidy towels away etc....? This will make the follow up checks easier if both sides know what the task list is from the start.

OK, I think I'll split everyone up, obviously show them round the house. Explain what needs to be done in a nice way and pray I Don't come across as a bitch. I know they need to know that I'm the one running tomorrow but being younger than them scares me a bit.

I always have respect for a manager who knows how to do the job they are asking me to do. So if you know what your talking about it goes along way.

I know my job inside out, I've been the new girl. That's why I don't want to come across harsh or too bossy. Any other day would be fine bit Friday's are our "big" jobs day.

Two points from me:

• Be firm but fair
• Don't ask anyone to do anything you wouldn't be willing to do yourself

These have always stood me well :)

It is only fair to point out their mistakes and things they will miss as they are relying on you to train them to be good at their jobs which is to their benefit as well as yours and the clients.

Just be kind and diplomatic about it when you have to do this.

I wouldn't justify why you're acting as their boss - you just are. It doesn't mean you have to be arrogant, just matter of fact. X client expects us to do a, b and c when we clean the bathrooms etc. I'll pop in and see how you're getting on.

Good luck

I'm a cleaner and I prefer being told what to and how long I have to do it.

Make sure that they know where all supplys are kept and how to contact you.

Don't forget to thank them for a good days work at the end of the day. That goes a long way to ensuring the same next time!

Don't overthink it. Just get on with what you need to do as their manager and it will soon start to feel natural. It always feels slightly odd when you manage people for the first time, but you all get into a pattern very quickly.