A reader writes: “I am a regular cleaner at a building and work for company with a lot of contracts. Do you have any ideas as to how I can become a supervisor and make more money? Thank you."

Welcome to the exciting world of cleaning. There are so many different avenues to pursue and I hope that you will look back over the years and be glad for taking this step towards becoming a supervisor. I must caution you that although supervisors usually make more money than a front line worker, they earn it by putting in a lot of effort and energy that a front line worker never sees.

This energy is focused on everything from handling payroll, training new hires, disciplining workers, dealing with customers, filling in for absentee workers, repairing equipment on the fly, helping a floor crew that is having difficulties and doing a lot of other things to earn that extra pay.

Assuming you are still interested in becoming a supervisor, we will discuss different aspects related to custodial supervision that are important if you are to succeed in the industry. First of all, I would like to address the most important area of being a supervisor and that is ATTITUDE.

Having the right attitude is very important since it determines not only your focus but how you respond to different situations. Having the wrong attitude can not only cut your career short but can also damage your company that will invest time and money in helping you to become the best supervisor you can be.

Knowledge, experience, contacts and other qualities are important but the most important to success is attitude. Your comments and questions are important. I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, keep it clean...

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678-314-2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net


posted on 3/21/2016