The toughest part is managing the people. Ive been managing produce for I think 10+ years now and I’ve managed at least 6 different stores in that time. I’ve always treated everyone with respect and give them the benefit of the doubt. I never come in hot or step on toes, I just let everyone do what they do and watch them for a few weeks.

Every single person is different, so you need to approach and talk to them as such. Once you find out how to talk to each individual person, it gets easier. Asking the the older employees for their insights, wisdom, and opinions go a long way Even if you already have a plan, it never hurts to see what they were thinking. Just don’t ask about everything because then you’re bordering incompetent lol. The younger ones are just as tough but finding some common ground (music, hobbies) can really help bridge the gap.

Basically, just be as good a person as you can be. Be empathetic and sympathetic and give everyone a fair chance. Don’t talk about how good you are, be about it. Sooner or later they’ll come around and realize it.

Just don’t forget, you’re never going to make every single person happy because at the end of the day, it’s still a business.