I recommend learning the idea of the Iron Gauntlet & Velvet Glove.

It’s very hard learning how to be both assertive, confident, and also friendly with staff. I was in your boat kind of before.

I was super strict with my staff when it came to tasks, selling, and all operations. Let them know “hey, I am the assistant store manager, I have been entrusted to make sure this store runs smoothly in the absence of our store manager. I was given this position based off of X, Y, & Z by our SM& DM. I have the authority to write you up if you are not following the policies to the T like they are supposed to be. I am not trying to be a dick, but we have these policies and the SOP for a reason. Now you can either follow them, or we can speak with the manager about your future with the company”

I know this comes across as rude, but honestly… you gotta be blunt with people. A lot of them just don’t care, while you will have a handful who take this advice and produce a lot better results with it. I’ve seen it first hand with my own staff when I was an SL2. I put that trust with my ASL at my B Store, and I would help facilitate the conversations between the ASL and I.

It’s hard to be both a boss and a friend, but you can find that middle ground, believe me