>As for the "people management" aspect of the position, I can't say >i'm too crazy about it since we have our share of slackers and >poor performing people, which irritates the better, more competent >employees. I'm taking it one step at a time, and I have full >support from my manager to discuss about these more sensitive >aspects that are more difficult to take care of.

We are in the depths of recession. There are plenty of people willing to work hard to replace slackers. They deserve no sympathy. They are cheating you and their colleagues by not pulling their weight. And also making you look bad by your failure to deal with them.Start giving out warnings.
Poor performance is another matter - speak to them and see what can be done. Some people won't ask for help.
And Well Done!
The Sock