5. The ability to treat all of your subordinates fairly will be a critical factor in your success as a supervisor; never play favorites. Always give credit to an employee who is due recognition; never take credit for someone else's initiative.

6. Always take advantage of any opportunity to improve yourself as a supervisor. Seminars, adult education classes, professional certifications, online learning and a myriad of other sources exist just for this purpose.

7. To become adept at conflict resolution is an area new supervisor must master to be successful. Never loose sight of fact that there are always two sides to every story. Never make a decision based on just part of story and you will earn respect of your employees, even if resulting decision isn't in their favor.

8. The ability to set meaningful goals will help steer your employees towards objective you are trying to reach. Realistic goals, with appropriate tools to reach them, will make everyone feel a part of department's success.

9. Always solicit input from all of your employees as you plan new strategies to meet today's ever-changing marketplace demands. As long as your employees feel like they have had meaningful input in creating new plans, tweaking old ones and implementing changes, any such endeavor will be more likely to succeed.

10. You are a supervisor, not God! Make sure that you always follow Golden Rule and your employees will follow.

Mike Burstein has been writing for the SOHO and Small Business market for over 10 years. He has helped countless small business owners solve start up problems, create best practices, automate their offices, get free publicity and dramatically increase traffic and sales.

4. Punctuality is a key indicator of how an employee will act once hired. If an applicant is late for an appointment, dismiss them from consideration unless they have an incredibly good reason.

5. Appropriate attire should always be worn to an interview. Dirty, scruffy clothing, rags or hats, and other unsuitable clothes should immediately dismiss an applicant from consideration.

6. Listen carefully as applicant explains why they left their previous job(s). Someone that continually has problems with supervisors and/or co-workers will probably have same conflicts with your company. Don't hire an obvious problem no matter how desperately you need help.

7. Always hire someone that you find likable. You don't need to become bosom buddies but you must be able to work with them in a harmonious environment.

8. Create a job description that you can give to your applicants. A properly written job description will answer a great deal of questions and eliminate later problems if person is hired.

9. Take time to check references. Previous employers can give you a much clearer description of an applicant's ability, a great deal more than personal references.

10. Always make your job offer in writing. This will preclude any misunderstandings.

Take time to make quality hires and your business will reflect your time and effort in performance of your employees and your company's bottom line.

Mike Burstein has been writing for the SOHO and Small Business market for over 10 years. He has helped countless small business owners solve start up problems, create best practices, automate their offices, get free publicity and dramatically increase traffic and sales.